Silicones boost the perceivable benefits of skin care products

Are you looking to improve the performance of your skin care formulation?

Today’s consumers are increasingly focused on wellness, self-care and the sustainability of our planet. They want more plant-based choices. While natural skin care products are appealing, they often prove challenging in delivering the performance consumers desire. Silicones, proven performance enhancers in skin products, have been working in concert with natural ingredients to deliver the performance promise since the 1950s.

Breathable and non-comedogenic, silicones are versatile additives that have been delivering a myriad of benefits in skin care products for many years.

Silicones are multifunctional ingredients that:

Facilitate the formulation process through enhanced spreading, uniform application, reduced tackiness of humectants and sunscreens, minimized greasiness of natural oils and fats
Deliver significant and easily perceivable benefits to consumers: silkiness, smooth and moisturized feel, healthy glow, masking fine lines, boosting SPF in sunscreens, delivering skin care actives for long-term effects and many more benefits.

Our product offerings for skin care

A wide range of standard and high-performance silicone products are available under the Mirasil™ and PURESIL™ brands in the following categories:

Dimethicone Fluids, with viscosity from 2cst to 500,000 cst, volatile to non-volatile
Gum Blends with volatile or non-volatile silicone carriers
Emulsions of amino silicones, dimethicones
Phenyl modified silicones: phenyl trimethicone, diphenyl dimethicone, etc.
Specialty silicones: amine modified silicones, alkyl functional silicones
Silicone emulsifiers: water in silicone emulsifier, water in silicone and oil emulsifier, etc.
Silicone elastomer gels in a range of carrier fluids, volatile to non-volatile, silicone to naturally derived organic carrier
Silicone resin film formers in volatile and non-volatile carriers.
Silicone resin microspheres

Why partner with Elkem Silicones in skin care?

In addition to our current offering, we continue to launch new products to support customers in innovation and improve on sustainability. Our knowledgeable staff and state-of-the-art application labs can assist you in creating your next innovative formulations.

Check out our skin care selector guide and contact our experts and distribution partners in your area for more information.

Skin Care selector guide

Volatile Silicones

Product name MIRASIL™	INCI name	Typical physical properties				Key Features and Benefits	Typical Use Level
Product name MIRASIL™	INCI name	Viscosity at 25ºC (mm²/s)	Specific Gravity at 25ºC	Refractive index at 25ºC	Flash Point (ºC)	Key Features and Benefits	Typical Use Level
CM5 HP	Cyclopentasiloxane	3.9	0.95	1,395	80	Highly volatile carriers Non-VOC cosmetic carrier Broad compatibility with cosmetic ingredients Transient emollient Non comedogenic Ease formulation of light, clear and anhydrous systems Easy spreading and quick absorption Dry touch Soft and silky skin feel D4 content <0.1%	1 - 10%
DM2	Dimethicone	2.0	0.87	1,391	85	Low viscosity linear methylated siloxane Non-VOC cosmetic carrier Broad compatibility with cosmetic ingredients Transient emolient Easy spreading and quick absorption Dry touch Light and non-greasy skin feel Smooth and soft sensory D4, D5, D6 contents <0.1% respectively	0.5 - 10%

Silicones Fluids

Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Typical physical properties				Key Features and Benefits	Typical Use Level
Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Viscosity at 25ºC (mPa.s)	Specific Gravity at 25ºC	Refractive index at 25ºC	Flash Point (ºC)	Key Features and Benefits	Typical Use Level
DM 5	Dimethicone	5	0.92	1,396	130	Low to medium viscosity dimethicone Non volatile, high spreading cosmetic carrier Lubricious, moisturizing sensory Light and non-greasy skin feel Smooth and soft sensory feel D4, D5, D6 contents <0.1% each	0.5 - 10%
DM 10		10	0.93	1,399	> 180
DM 20		20	0.95	1,4	240
DM 50		50	0.96	1,401	300
DM 100		100	0.96	1,402	300
DM 350		350	0.97	1,403	300
DM 500		500	0.97	1,403	300
DM 1000		1000	0.97	1,403	300
DM 5000		5000	0.97	1,404	300	Smooth and soft sensory Increased richness and sensory durability with higher molecular weight Shine	0.5 - 5%
DM 60 000		60 000	0.97	1,404	300
DM 300 000		300 000	0.97	1,404	300
DM 500 000		500 000	0.97	1,404	300

Silicone Gum Blends

Product name MIRASIL™	INCI name	Typical physical properties			Key Features and Benefits	Typical Use Level
		Active content (%)	Carrier	Viscosity
		Active content (%)	Carrier	(mPa.s)
Silicone Gum in Volatile Carrier
C-DM	Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone	30	Cyclopentasiloxane	3500	• Lasting silky, soft and lubricious skin feel • Durable on skin • Water repellency	3 - 10%
C-DMB		15	Cyclopentasiloxane	6000
C-DM 2022*		15	Cyclopentasiloxane	6000
C-DML		15	Cyclopentasiloxane	6000
C-DML LV		11	Cyclopentasiloxane	1750
C-DML MV		12	Cyclopentasiloxane	2300
C-DML HV		16	Cyclopentasiloxane	7000
C-DML 1022*		15	Cyclopentasiloxane	6500
C-DML 1022 HV*		18	Cyclopentasiloxane	9000
Silicone Gum in Non-volatile Carrier
D-DMB	Dimethicone	15	Dimethicone	3300	• Moisturizing skin feel • Carrier for hydrosensitive actives • Long lasting silky, soft and lubricious skin feel • Water repellency • D5 alternative carrier	3 - 10%
D-DML	Dimethicone (and) Dimethiconol	12	Dimethicone	4500
D-DML LV		12	Dimethicone	1500
D-DML MV		20	Dimethicone	10 500
D-DML HV		16	Dimethicone	8500
D-DML 1032*		16	Dimethicone	4800

Amino and Alkyl Functional Silicones

Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Typical physical properties			Functions / Benefits	Use level
Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Specific gravity at 25ºC	Refractive Index at 25ºC	Viscosity (mPa.s)	Functions / Benefits	Use level
Silicone HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer)
ADMH 395	Propoxytetramethyl Piperidinyl Dimethicone	0.975	1.407	10 000	• Patented amino silicones technology • Antioxidant and radical scavenger capacity • Help dispersing physical UV filters • Soft and light skin feel • Non-yellowing	0,5% to 3%
ADMH 3900		0.975	1.407	90 000
ADMH 403		0.975	1.408	250
ADMH B 100	C15-19 Alkane (and) Propoxytetramethyl Piperidinyl Dimethicone	0.883	1.428	2 000
Alkyl Functional Silicones
CAPRYLYL TSO	Caprylyl Methicone	0.84	1.413	4 mm²/s	• Moderate volatility • High compatibility with a broad range of oils • Help dispersing physical UV filters • Improve spreading of vegetable oils • Light skin feel • Moderate slip	5% to 20%
CETYL DM	Cetyl Dimethicone	0,902	1,434	230	• Broad compatibility with cosmetic ingredients • Sustainability on skin • Impart smoothness, slipperiness and shine on skin •Skin moisturization	1% to 5%
STEARYL DM	Stearyl Dimethicone			250 (40°C)	• Soft wax melts on skin contact • Broad compatibility with cosmetic ingredients • Sustainability on skin • Impart smoothness, slipperiness and shine on skin • Water repellency	0,5% to 5%

Phenyl Functional Silicones

Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Typical physical properties				Key Features and Benefits	Use level
Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Phenyl Si gum content (%)	Carrier	Viscosity (mPa.s)	Refractive Index at 25ºC	Key Features and Benefits	Use level
Phenyl Silicone Fluid
PTM	Phenyl Trimethicone	100	None	22	1.459	• Broad compatibility with organic ingredients • High shine • Smooth, light and non-greasy feel • Reduce tackiness in sunscreens	0,5% to 10%
Phenyl Silicone Gum Blends
P-DPDM	Phenyl Trimethicone (and) Diphenyl Dimethicone	15	Phenyl Trimethicone	12 500	1.454	• Long lasting shine • Excellent slip • Durable lubricious and soft sensory feel	2% to 10%
C-DPDM	Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Diphenyl Dimethicone	15	Cyclopentasiloxane	2 000	1.404		2% to 10%
BRIGHT	C15-19 Alkane (and) Diphenyl Dimethicone	20	C15-19 Alkane	1 500	1.444	• Durable dry silky and slipery feel • Long lasting shine	0,5% to 5%
SERUM	Cyclopentasiloxane (and) C15-19 Alkane (and) Dimethiconol (and) Diphenyl Dimethicone (and) Propoxytetramethyl Piperidinyl Dimethicone	18	Cyclopentasiloxane and C15-19 Alkane	800	1.410	• A unique serum optimized for multifuctional benefits and ease of formulation • Impart smooth, softness, lubricity and shine • Help dispersing physical sunscreen	5% to 25%

Silicone Elastomer Gel

Product name PURESIL™	INCI name	Typical physical properties			Functions / Benefits	Use level
Product name PURESIL™	INCI name	Carrier	Viscosity (Pa.s)	Crosspolymer (%)	Functions / Benefits	Use level
BSG 200	Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Non-volatile Dimethicone	100 000 - 400 000	20-30	Wrinkle masking Improve payout Longer playtime Lasting skin feel SPF boosting Carrier for hydrosensitive actives	5% to 40%
BSG 200S		Non-volatile Dimethicone	60 000 - 120 000	20-30
BSG 5041		Non-volatile Dimethicone	300 000 - 500 000	20-30
D 308		High volatile Dimethicone	50 000 - 100 000	5-10	Light and delicate feel Easy spread Non D5 carrier,for hydro sensitive actives
BSG 650 DF	Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (and) Phenyl Trimethicone (and ) Stearyl Dimethicone	Volatile Dimethicone and Phenyl Trimethicone and Stearyl Dimethicone	10 000 - 60 000	5-10	Added shine Lasting moisturizing feel Organic compatibility Carrier for hydrosensitive actives
BSG 250	Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Non volatile Dimethicone Volatile Cyclopentasiloxane	100 000 - 400 000	20-30	Soft yet powdery feel Wrinkle masking
BSG 350	Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Cyclopentasiloxane	20 000 - 60 000	5-10	Powdery and smooth feel No residue
BSG 5040		Cyclopentasiloxane	350 000 - 550 000	10-20	Wrinkle masking Powdery and smooth feel Thickening agent No residue Matte effect
CHM01	Cyclohexasiloxane (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Cyclohexasiloxane	120 000 - 300 000	20-30	Non greasy skin feel Longer playtime compare to D5 carrier
ORG01	C13-15 Alkane (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Naturally derived alkane	120 000 - 300 000	10-20	Natural and sustainable positioning >80% derived from Sugar Cane Organic compatibility SPF boosting Alternative to D5 and non-VOC
Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Typical physical properties			Functions / Benefits	Use level
Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Carrier	Viscosity (mPa.s)	Crosspolymer (%)	Functions / Benefits	Use level
D-DMX 17	Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Non-volatile Dimethicone	300 000	12	Ultra-light silky skin feel Quick absorbency feel Carrier for hydrosensitive actives	5% to 40%
C-DMX 12	Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Cyclopentasiloxane	415 000	12	Light weight nourishing feel Wrinkle masking	5% to 40%

Emulsifiers

Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Typical physical properties				Functions / Benefits	Use level
Product name Mirasil™	INCI name	Active (%)	HLB (calculated)	Viscosity (mPa.s)	Refractive Index at 25ºC	Functions / Benefits	Use level
Dimethicone Copolyols
DMCO	PEG/PPG-22/24 Dimethicone	100	13	1 800	1.446	Foam booster and stabilizer Non irritating Light soft feel Water soluble Coemulsifier	0,5% to 3%
PEG 12 DM	PEG-12 Dimethicone	100	14	500	1.457		0,5% to 3%
Emulsifiers
C-DMP	Cyclopentasiloxane (and) PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone	11	2	< 100	1.397	Emulsifier for water-in-silicone emulsions Versitle formulation aid for AP-DEO, skin cream and makeup Capable of creating medium to high consistency formulation textures Cold process Light soft feel	6% to 24%
BALANCE	Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone	100	3	1 100	1.436	Emulsifier for water-in-silicone+oil and water-in-oil emulsions Stable formulations using very few ingredients Cold process Differentiated textures from light to high viscosity Light soft feel	1% to 3%

Silicone Resins

Product name	INCI name	Typical physical properties			Key Features and Benefits	Use level
Product name	INCI name	Carrier	Viscosity (mPa.s)	Resin content (%)	Key Features and Benefits	Use level
PURESIL™ TMS DM 30	Dimethicone (and) Trimethylsiloxysilicate	Non-volatile dimethicone	400 - 1 000	33	Film forming capability Sustainability to skin Long-lasting and oil/water resistent Improve durability of sunscreen Non greasy and non tacky feel	1% to 15%
PURESIL™ TMS IDD 50	Trimethylsiloxysilicate (and) Isododecane	Isododecane	<50	50	Film former in volatile carrier Sustainability to skin Long-lasting and oil/water resistent Non greasy and non tacky feel	1% to 15%
MIRASIL ^TMMSR 88	Trimethylsiloxysilicate	No	_	100	100% trimethylsiloxysilicate in powder Film forming capability Long-lasting and oil/water resistent Easy dilution in organic and silicone oils Non greasy and non tacky feel	0.5-10%

Silicone Powder

Product name MIRASIL™	INCI name	Typical physical properties			Functions / Benefits	Use level
		Physical form	Active (%)	Average Particle size
Micropearl 40	Polymethylsilsesquioxane	White powder	100	4 µm	Soft focus and matte effect Excellent lubricity Water repellency Soft, smooth, silky feel "Ball bearing" effect- dry and lubricious sensory Oil absorption	0,2% to 10%