Petroleum Resin

Petroleum resin is a hydrocarbon polymer obtained from petroleum distillation and hydrogenation, often oil-soluble. Cosmetics use it as a film-former to improve cohesion, texture, and wear in color cosmetics and hairstyling formats.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A hydrocarbon resin that helps makeup and hairstyles hold their shape.
Category
Tone/Texture
Type
Film Former

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Helps makeup stay put and resist smudging while adding a smooth, flexible finish. In hair products, it contributes to controlled styling with touchable hold.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in mascaras, liquid eyeliners, long-wear lipsticks, and hair gels or pomades to boost performance.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Generally well tolerated, with low irritation potential when properly purified. Those prone to congestion may prefer lighter use, and discontinue if any sensitivity occurs.

Is Petroleum Resin a Good Ingredient?

Rated Good as a reliable film-former that improves wear and cohesion with generally inert, stable behavior and low irritation at typical use levels. The minor downside is potential occlusiveness for some skin types if heavily layered, which is what keeps it from a higher rating.

Products with Petroleum Resin

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