Ingredient deep-dive

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernMicroplastic polymer

Synthetic hydrocarbon polymer used as a shine-giving emollient in lip gloss and foundations, a common petroleum-derived swap for mineral oil.

Where it appears

Lip gloss and liquid lipstick (for shine)
Foundation and primer
Cream blush
Hair-shine serums

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted; liquid polymer, not a solid microparticle, so outside the microbead restriction.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Jojoba oil
Squalane
Castor-seed oil for gloss

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Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, common questions

Is Hydrogenated Polyisobutene a microplastic?

Borderline. Synthetic hydrocarbon polymer used as a shine-giving emollient in lip gloss and foundations, a common petroleum-derived swap for mineral oil.

Is Hydrogenated Polyisobutene banned?

EU: Permitted; liquid polymer, not a solid microparticle, so outside the microbead restriction. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Hydrogenated Polyisobutene?

Cleaner alternatives include: Jojoba oil; Squalane; Castor-seed oil for gloss.

What products contain Hydrogenated Polyisobutene?

Commonly found in: Lip gloss and liquid lipstick (for shine); Foundation and primer; Cream blush; Hair-shine serums.