Polyethylene: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Polyethylene?

Polyethylene is a type of plastic made by linking together many ethylene molecules, forming a long chain that creates a smooth, solid material. First produced in the 1930s for industrial needs, it later found its way into consumer goods thanks to its durability and flexibility. In cosmetics, manufacturers melt and cool tiny pellets of polyethylene to create fine particles or thin films that can mix easily with creams, gels, and lotions. You will often see it in facial scrubs, body polishes, peel-off masks, long-wear makeup, and certain moisturizers that aim for a silky finish.

Polyethylene’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Polyethylene serves several practical roles that help products feel better, work better and look better on the skin.

  • Abrasive: In scrubs the small polyethylene beads gently lift away dead surface cells, leaving skin smoother without harsh scratching
  • Film Forming: When applied in makeup or protective creams it forms a thin, flexible layer that locks in moisture and boosts wear time so color stays put longer
  • Viscosity Controlling: Added to lotions or gels it helps adjust thickness, making the formula spread evenly and stay stable over time

Who Can Use Polyethylene

Polyethylene is generally compatible with most skin types. Dry and normal skin benefit from the smooth feel it imparts while oily and combination skin appreciate its lightweight nature that does not add extra grease. People with very sensitive or easily irritated skin should be mindful when using scrubs containing larger polyethylene beads because vigorous rubbing could cause redness or micro-scratches.

The ingredient is synthetic and derived from petroleum, not animals, so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Product testing policies vary by brand though, so cruelty-free shoppers may still want to verify a company’s stance on animal testing.

No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women regarding topical polyethylene. The polymer is considered inert and is not known to penetrate deeply, yet this is not medical advice, and anyone expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products to a routine.

Polyethylene does not heighten photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odorless and non-volatile, so it rarely interferes with fragrances or active ingredients commonly found in daily skin care.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical polyethylene differ from person to person. The points below outline potential but uncommon issues. When used in well-formulated products most people will not experience these problems.

  • Skin irritation or redness: More likely if larger beads are rubbed aggressively on delicate skin
  • Micro-abrasions: Over-exfoliation can leave tiny surface scratches that feel rough or sting
  • Clogged pores: Heavy film-forming products might trap oil in very oily or acne-prone skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis: A rare hypersensitivity response that presents as itch or rash
  • Eye irritation: Loose particles that migrate toward the eye area can cause discomfort or tearing

If you experience any of these effects discontinue use and consult a qualified medical professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5

Polyethylene particles sit on the surface of skin and are too large to enter pores, so they rarely trigger blockages. In most rinse-off scrubs any residue is washed away, while the thin films used in makeup are breathable and non-greasy. Only very heavy, wax-rich formulations that pair polyethylene with other occlusives may contribute to congestion, which keeps the score at a cautious 1 instead of 0.

Suitable for those prone to acne or breakouts, though very oily skin may prefer lighter textures.

Because polyethylene itself is inert, any pore-clogging risk usually comes from the overall product base rather than the polymer, so always consider the full ingredient list.

Summary

Polyethylene acts as a gentle scrub abrasive, a flexible film former and a viscosity controller, giving products smooth spreadability, longer wear time and consistent texture. It pulls this off thanks to its stable plastic chain structure that can be milled into micro beads or melted into ultra-thin layers.

Once popular in face and body exfoliators, its use in rinse-off beads has declined due to environmental microplastic concerns, yet it still shows up in long-wear foundations, mascaras, sunscreens and certain creams where its film-forming skills shine.

Overall safety is high because the polymer is chemically inert and stays mostly on the surface of skin. Side effects are uncommon and largely tied to over-scrubbing rather than the ingredient itself. As with any new cosmetic formula, it is smart to do a small patch test first to see how your own skin reacts.

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