[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":237},["ShallowReactive",2],{"ingredient-iodopropynyl-butylcarbamate":3},{"id":4,"title":5,"body":6,"category":192,"commonProducts":193,"description":199,"extension":200,"icon":201,"inciName":5,"irritantReason":202,"isCommonIrritant":203,"keyFacts":204,"localNames":214,"meta":215,"navigation":203,"path":216,"relatedArticles":217,"seo":224,"severity":225,"slug":226,"stem":227,"subtitle":228,"symptoms":229,"synonyms":235,"__hash__":236},"ingredients/learn/ingredients/iodopropynyl-butylcarbamate.md","Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate",{"type":7,"value":8,"toc":182},"minimark",[9,14,21,24,27,31,38,41,69,72,76,113,117,136,139,143,146,149,152,156],[10,11,13],"h2",{"id":12},"what-is-iodopropynyl-butylcarbamate","What is Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate?",[15,16,17,20],"p",{},[18,19,5],"strong",{}," (INCI: Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate; abbreviation: IPBC; full chemical name: 3-Iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate) is a synthetic biocide and preservative used in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial applications (paints, wood preservatives). It contains iodine in its molecular structure, which contributes to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts, and molds.",[15,22,23],{},"IPBC is effective at very low concentrations — typically 0.02–0.1% in cosmetics — which is appealing to formulators since it does not significantly affect product texture or color. It is water-soluble and works across a wide pH range, making it versatile for use in lotions, shampoos, wipes, and cosmetics.",[15,25,26],{},"Despite its utility as a preservative, IPBC has become one of the more concerning cosmetic preservatives from an allergy standpoint. The American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) lists it as a clinically significant allergen, and it appears with increasing frequency in patch test series as more products incorporate it, particularly as a replacement for isothiazolinones (which have their own allergenicity issues).",[10,28,30],{"id":29},"why-does-iodopropynyl-butylcarbamate-cause-reactions","Why does Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate cause reactions?",[15,32,33,34,37],{},"IPBC is a ",[18,35,36],{},"protein-reactive compound"," — it can covalently bind to amino acid residues in skin proteins, forming haptens that trigger Type IV delayed hypersensitivity. Its reaction rate in patch test series has been rising over recent years as product use has increased.",[15,39,40],{},"Key risk factors for IPBC sensitization:",[42,43,44,51,57,63],"ul",{},[45,46,47,50],"li",{},[18,48,49],{},"Wet wipes and baby wipes",": These products have been identified as a major source of IPBC sensitization. Wipes are applied to sensitive areas (perioral, perianal, hands) with prolonged contact, and may be used on already-irritated skin (diaper rash areas)",[45,52,53,56],{},[18,54,55],{},"Leave-on cosmetics",": Moisturizers and lotions allow more skin contact time than rinse-off products, increasing sensitization risk",[45,58,59,62],{},[18,60,61],{},"Iodine sensitivity",": Though different from free iodine, individuals with iodine sensitivity or thyroid conditions may have theoretical additional concerns, though this cross-reactivity is not well-established in contact dermatitis literature",[45,64,65,68],{},[18,66,67],{},"Concentration in product",": Higher concentrations in leave-on products pose more risk than in rinse-off formulations",[15,70,71],{},"The EU has restricted IPBC specifically in face products (max 0.02%), body lotions, body milk, and all products for children under 3 — reflecting recognized safety concerns. India's cosmetic regulations do not have equivalent specific restrictions as of 2025, though general safety requirements apply.",[10,73,75],{"id":74},"where-is-iodopropynyl-butylcarbamate-found-in-products","Where is Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate found in products?",[42,77,78,83,89,95,101,107],{},[45,79,80,82],{},[18,81,49],{},": One of the most common IPBC-containing product categories causing reactions",[45,84,85,88],{},[18,86,87],{},"Body lotions and creams",": Particularly mass-market formulations",[45,90,91,94],{},[18,92,93],{},"Shampoos and conditioners",": As part of multi-preservative systems",[45,96,97,100],{},[18,98,99],{},"Makeup wipes and facial cleansing wipes",": Frequent exposure route for facial reactions",[45,102,103,106],{},[18,104,105],{},"Some cosmetics",": Mascaras, foundations, and other water-containing cosmetics",[45,108,109,112],{},[18,110,111],{},"Industrial products",": Paints and wood treatments (relevant for occupational exposure, not cosmetic)",[10,114,116],{"id":115},"how-to-spot-iodopropynyl-butylcarbamate-on-labels","How to spot Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate on labels",[42,118,119,124,130],{},[45,120,121,123],{},[18,122,5],{}," — INCI name (required on all compliant cosmetic labels)",[45,125,126,129],{},[18,127,128],{},"IPBC"," — common industry abbreviation (may appear in marketing materials but not on formal labels)",[45,131,132,135],{},[18,133,134],{},"3-Iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate"," — full chemical name",[15,137,138],{},"Check the preservative section of ingredient lists, particularly in wipes and leave-on body products.",[10,140,142],{"id":141},"in-indian-products","In Indian products 🇮🇳",[15,144,145],{},"IPBC is present in a range of Indian cosmetics and personal care products, including wipes sold under international brands in India. Indian-market products from brands like Johnson's Baby (some formulations), as well as various domestic wet wipe brands, may contain IPBC. The ingredient must be disclosed on labels under Indian cosmetic regulations.",[15,147,148],{},"A particular concern for Indian parents: baby wipes containing IPBC are available in India without the EU-equivalent restrictions. Checking baby wipe ingredient lists for \"Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate\" is advisable for infants with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.",[15,150,151],{},"For Indian adults experiencing unexplained facial rashes or perianal dermatitis, IPBC in facial wipes or cosmetics is worth investigating through patch testing at a dermatology clinic.",[10,153,155],{"id":154},"safer-alternatives","Safer alternatives",[42,157,158,164,170,176],{},[45,159,160,163],{},[18,161,162],{},"IPBC-free wipes",": Brands like WaterWipes (water + grapefruit seed extract) and Huggies Natural Care formulate without IPBC",[45,165,166,169],{},[18,167,168],{},"Phenoxyethanol + ethylhexylglycerin preservative systems",": Common IPBC alternative in leave-on cosmetics",[45,171,172,175],{},[18,173,174],{},"Sodium benzoate + potassium sorbate",": Effective natural preservative combination for lower-pH products",[45,177,178,181],{},[18,179,180],{},"Products labeled \"IPBC-free\" or \"preservative-sensitive\" formulations",": Ask for recommendations from a dermatologist if you have confirmed IPBC allergy",{"title":183,"searchDepth":184,"depth":184,"links":185},"",2,[186,187,188,189,190,191],{"id":12,"depth":184,"text":13},{"id":29,"depth":184,"text":30},{"id":74,"depth":184,"text":75},{"id":115,"depth":184,"text":116},{"id":141,"depth":184,"text":142},{"id":154,"depth":184,"text":155},"preservative",[194,195,196,197,198],"Lotion","Wipes","Wet wipes","Cosmetics","Industrial paints","A broad-spectrum biocide preservative and a clinically significant contact allergen. ACDS-listed as a frequent cause of contact dermatitis, particularly in wipes and leave-on skincare products.","md","🧪",null,true,[205,208,211],{"label":206,"value":207},"High-risk products","Particularly problematic in baby wipes, wet wipes, and leave-on cosmetics where skin contact is prolonged",{"label":209,"value":210},"EU restriction","Banned in the EU for body lotions, body milk, and baby products; restricted to 0.02% in face products",{"label":212,"value":213},"Iodine content","Contains iodine; individuals with iodine sensitivity should exercise particular caution",[],{},"/learn/ingredients/iodopropynyl-butylcarbamate",[218,221],{"slug":219,"title":220},"/learn/reading-cosmetic-labels","How to Read Cosmetic Labels",{"slug":222,"title":223},"/learn/patch-test-results-now-what","Patch Test Results: Now What?",{"title":5,"description":199},"moderate","iodopropynyl-butylcarbamate","learn/ingredients/iodopropynyl-butylcarbamate","A broad-spectrum preservative with a high sensitization rate — especially problematic in leave-on products",[230,231,232,233,234],"Allergic contact dermatitis","Facial redness and rash from cosmetics","Perianal dermatitis from wipes","Scalp irritation from hair products","Eyelid dermatitis from eye area products",[128,134],"H2Rfv8VyjQfr1MBoqeT12Enilxsj3vh1lSmbkEojmkA",1778416676149]