Dimethicone Crosspolymer

CAS Number:

541-02-6 (for Cyclopentasiloxane); the crosspolymer itself is a polymer with no single CAS number

INCI Name:

Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Other Names:

Dimethicone Crosspolymer in Cyclopentasiloxane, Crosslinked Dimethicone Gel, Silicone Elastomer Gel, D5 Crosspolymer

Common Trade Names:

 Dimethicone  ; also similar to DC 9040 (Dow Corning), KSG-210 (Shin-Etsu), and other elastomer blends

Uses:

Dimethicone  is a silicone elastomer gel composed of a crosslinked dimethicone polymer swollen in and dispersed within a volatile carrier (Cyclopentasiloxane). This unique structure provides exceptional sensory and textural benefits to cosmetic formulations. When applied, the volatile Cyclopentasiloxane evaporates, leaving behind a soft, smooth, velvety, and cushion-like film of the crosslinked silicone polymer on the skin .

· Skin Care: Used in moisturizers, creams, lotions, serums, sunscreens, and anti-aging products. It imparts a velvety, powdery, and smooth feel, blurs the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (soft-focus effect), and provides a matte finish without drying the skin .

· Color Cosmetics: Used in foundations, primers, concealers, and BB creams to improve spreadability, provide a smooth canvas for makeup, enhance wear time, and create a soft-focus, skin-blurring effect .

· Hair Care: Used in styling products and conditioners to add body, reduce frizz, and provide a smooth, silky feel without heaviness .

· Sun Care: Enhances the texture and spreadability of sunscreens, reduces whitening effect, and provides a non-greasy, lightweight feel .

Origin

This product is a manufactured synthetic blend. It is created by crosslinking a linear silicone polymer (dimethicone) to form a three-dimensional network (the "crosspolymer"). This network is then swollen with a volatile carrier fluid (cyclopentasiloxane), resulting in a stable, gel-like dispersion. The crosslinking process transforms the liquid silicone into a soft, elastic solid-like material that provides unique sensory benefits

What does  Dimethicone Crosspolymer do in a formulation?

• Sensory Modifier / Texture Enhancer: Imparts a unique, luxurious, non-greasy, non-tacky, velvety, and cushion-like feel to formulations .
• Film-Former: Leaves a soft, flexible, breathable film on the skin that provides a smooth, powdery finish .
• Sebum Absorption: Helps absorb excess oil on the skin's surface, providing a matte finish and reducing shine .
• Soft-Focus / Blurring Agent: Creates an optical blurring effect that minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores .
• Rheology Modifier / Thickener: Increases the viscosity of formulations and helps to stabilize emulsions .
• Spreading Aid / Carrier: The volatile cyclopentasiloxane component ensures even distribution of the crosspolymer and other ingredients .

Safety Profile (Critical):

· General Hazard Classification: The blend is considered safe for topical use. The volatile carrier (Cyclopentasiloxane) is flammable, with a flash point typically between 73-77°C . The product should be kept away from heat, sparks, and open flames .

· Safety Assessment: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has concluded that both Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone Crosspolymer are safe for use in cosmetics at current practices and concentrations . Dimethicone crosspolymers are large, stable molecules that do not penetrate the skin .

· Environmental Concerns (Critical - for the Cyclopentasiloxane component) :

  · Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is not readily biodegradable .

  · It has been identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) under REACH due to its persistent and bioaccumulative properties .

  · Due to its negative environmental impact, its use in rinse-off cosmetic products is restricted to a maximum concentration of 0.1% in the European Union .

  · Many "clean beauty" retailers and brands (e.g., Sephora, Credo) restrict or prohibit the use of Cyclopentasiloxane in products .

· Biodegradability: The crosslinked polymer itself is a large molecule that is not bioavailable and is considered inert .

Technical profile: