Silicone 100

CAS Number:

63148-62-9

Chemical / IUPAC Name:

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)

INCI Name:

Dimethicone

EC Number:

Not available (polymer)

Molecular Formula:

(C2H6OSi)n

Other Names:

Silicone oil 100 cSt, Dimethicone 100, PDMS 100, Polymethylsiloxane

Uses:

Silicone 100 refers to a low-to-medium viscosity polydimethylsiloxane (Dimethicone) fluid with a viscosity of approximately 100 centistokes . It offers a balanced sensory profile, providing more substantivity than lower viscosity grades (like 5-50 cSt) while maintaining good spreadability and a less greasy feel than higher viscosity grades . It is chemically inert, thermally stable, and physiologically harmless .

· Cosmetics & Personal Care: Widely used in skin care creams, lotions, sunscreens, and makeup products. It provides a clear, non-greasy feel, excellent spreadability, and a smooth, silky after-feel . As a substantive emollient, it has a greater perception of absorbency and smoothness compared to lower viscosity silicones . It acts as a skin protectant by forming a hydrating, water-repellent barrier on the skin .

· Hair Care: Used in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products for its conditioning properties. It improves hair's softness, reduces frizziness even in high humidity, adds slip and glide, and reduces tackiness .

· Pharmaceutical & Medical Applications: Used as an antifoaming agent in gastrointestinal medications (e.g., Simethicone) to relieve gas and bloating . It is also used as a lubricant for medical equipment and rubber materials like O-rings and seals .

· Industrial Applications: Serves as a dielectric coolant and insulating fluid . It functions as a heat transfer medium in chemical and petrochemical industries . It is also used as a lubricant, release agent, hydraulic fluid, and damping fluid for various industrial components and plastics .

· Laboratory Equipment: Used as a bath liquid in refrigerated circulating baths and chillers for precise temperature control in the range of -75°C to +75°C.

Origin

Silicone 100 is a synthetic polymer derived from silica (sand/quartz) . It is manufactured through a hydrolysis and polymerization process from dimethyldichlorosilane.

What does Silicone 100 do in a formulation?

• Skin Conditioning Agent / Emollient: Softens and smooths the skin without a greasy feel .
• Hair Conditioning Agent: Provides slip, detangling, and softness, reducing frizz .
• Film Former / Barrier Agent: Creates a protective, water-repellent barrier on skin and hair .
• Spreadability Enhancer: Reduces tackiness and improves the application and rub-out of cosmetic products .
• Lubricant: Reduces friction in both personal care and industrial applications .
• Antifoaming Agent: Reduces surface tension to break down gas bubbles .
• Heat Transfer Fluid: Maintains stable temperature in laboratory equipment due to its thermal properties .

Safety Profile (Critical):

· General Hazard Classification: Considered non-toxic, non-irritating, and physiologically harmless . Not classified as a dangerous substance for transport . Free of skin irritation and non-sensitizing .

· Safety Assessment: Recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by major regulatory bodies . It meets "Clean at Sephora," Ulta's "Conscious Beauty," and Credo Clean Standard requirements .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing to skin. In case of eye contact, rinse with water . Inhalation of vapors is not a concern at room temperature.

· Toxicity: Very low acute toxicity. Orally, it is not absorbed by the body and is excreted unchanged .

· Stability: Extremely stable with high oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and resistance to chemical breakdown .

· Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. No special storage requirements .

· Shelf Life: Typically 24 months when stored properly .

· Regulatory Status: Available in NSF H1 (food-safe), Kosher, and Halal certified grades . Meets pharmaceutical standards for use as Simethicone .

Technical profile: