Polybutylene Terephthalate
AKA “PBT, Polyester resin”
Ingredient
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Ingredient Facts
Polybutylene terephthalate
AKA: PBT, Polyester resin
Ingredient · Film Forming · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Occlusive
Clean
1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, polymer with 1,4-butanediol
CAS #
26062-94-2
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Viscosity Controlling
Creates Protective Barrier
Controls Viscosity
Reduces Inflammation
Wound Healing
Fights Bacteria
Creates protective layer
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
Synthesized in the mid-20th century as a polyester plastic. Adopted by cosmetics manufacturers as a microplastic ingredient in exfoliating and texturizing formulations before microplastic restrictions were implemented.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR