IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE

EU max concentration: a) 0.02% b) 0.01% c) 0.0075%

📊 Comedogenicity

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

IPBC (iodopropynyl butylcarbamate) is a chemical preservative that works by killing a wide range of bacteria and fungi. It was originally developed for industrial uses like protecting wood and paint from microbial damage, but has been adopted by the cosmetic industry as a preservative in skincare and personal care products (Am J Contact Dermat, 2002). #1: Safety at low concentrations—IPBC has been claimed safe at concentrations below 0.1%, which is the EU’s current permitted limit for cosmetics (Am J Contact Dermat, 2002; Contact Dermatitis, 1997). However, #2: allergic contact dermatitis risk exists. Since IPBC entered widespread cosmetic use, cases of people developing allergic skin reactions to it have been documented.

Research identified at least one confirmed case of contact allergy among 311 patch-tested patients (Contact Dermatitis, 1997), and another case of severe skin irritation in the perianal and palmar areas linked to IPBC in moist wipes (Hautarzt, 2003). #3: Cross-reactivity with iodine is suspected. Because IPBC contains iodine, the EU restricted its use partly due to concerns that iodine might be released from the molecule, potentially causing problems in people with existing iodine allergies. Research found that patients already sensitized to iodine-containing antiseptics sometimes showed positive patch test reactions to IPBC, though the researchers noted firm evidence for iodine release in humans is lacking (Contact Dermatitis, 2019).

The core tension is this: IPBC is effective at preventing microbial growth in products, but as its use has expanded in cosmetics, more allergic reactions have been reported. The sources indicate increased vigilance is warranted, especially for individuals with known iodine sensitivities, though serious side effects appear uncommon at regulated concentrations.

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

🧴 Products Containing IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE

• Soraya Ideal Effect 40+ Krem wygładzająco-ujędrniający
• Tejar Mist&fix matte finish
• l-oreal Men expert shirt protect 48h
• Cien Crème de jour anti-âge Gold (Or 1%)
• Leticia Well Eyeliner
• Agiva Professional Usage Perfect Hair Styling Wax Matte Look
• Unilever, Dove Dove zero original 2x50ml
• Unilever, Dove Dove Secrets de Soin Gel Douche Lavande
• Axe AXE GEL CHEVEUX Extrême Look Pot 75ml
• Monsavon Monsavon Déodorant Femme Bille Vanille Toute Délicate 50ml
• Unilever, Axe Axe mature gel effet mat
• Unilever, Dove Protection surgras douche soin nourrissante
• Monsavon MONSAVON Déodorant Femme Bille Vanille Toute Délicate 2x50ml
• TRESemmé Curl Conditioning Mousse
• Unilever, Dove Dove Surgras Gel Douche Mousse Infusée à l’Huile d’Açaï 24H de Douceur
• Unilever Norge AS Shower Gel Deeply Nourishing 450 ml
• Maui Moisture Curl quench + coconut oil conditioner
• OGX Argan Oil Shampoo
• Unilever, Suave Skin Solutions Suave Nourishing Lotion – Cocoa Shea
• suave lotion

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Johnson W Jr (2017). Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. Int J Toxicol.
• Badreshia S et al. (2002). Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate. Am J Contact Dermat.
• Vanhoutte C et al. (2019). Concomitant contact-allergic reactions to iodopropynyl butylcarbamate and iodine. Contact Dermatitis.
• Schöllnast R et al. (2003). [Anal and palmar contact dermatitis caused by iodopropynyl butylcarbamate in moist sanitary wipes]. Hautarzt.
• Bryld LE et al. (1997). Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate: a new contact allergen. Contact Dermatitis.