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

    Product name
    MIRASIL™    		 INCI name Typical physical properties Key Features and  Benefits Typical Use Level
    Viscosity
    at 25ºC (mm2/s)    		 Specific Gravity
    at 25ºC    		 Refractive index
    at 25ºC    		 Flash Point (ºC)
    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%

     

      Product name
      Mirasil™      		 INCI name Typical physical properties Key Features and Benefits Typical Use Level
      Viscosity
      at 25ºC (mPa.s)      		 Specific Gravity
      at 25ºC      		 Refractive index
      at 25ºC      		 Flash Point (ºC)
      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

       

        Product name
        MIRASIL™        		 INCI name Typical physical properties Key Features and Benefits Typical Use Level
        Active content (%)    Carrier Viscosity
        (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
          Product name
          Mirasil™          		 INCI name Typical physical properties Functions / Benefits Use level
          Specific gravity
          at 25ºC          		 Refractive Index
          at 25ºC          		 Viscosity
          (mPa.s)
          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%
            Product name
            Mirasil™            		 INCI name Typical physical properties Key Features and Benefits Use level
            Phenyl Si gum
            content (%)            		 Carrier Viscosity
            (mPa.s)            		 Refractive Index
            at 25ºC
            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
            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%

             

              Product name
              PURESIL™              		 INCI name Typical physical properties Functions / Benefits Use level
              Carrier Viscosity
              (Pa.s)              		 Crosspolymer
              (%)
               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
              Carrier Viscosity
              (mPa.s)              		 Crosspolymer
              (%)
               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

               

                Product name
                Mirasil™                		 INCI name Typical physical properties Functions / Benefits Use level
                Active (%) HLB (calculated) Viscosity
                (mPa.s)                		 Refractive Index
                at 25ºC
                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
                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%
                  Product name INCI name Typical physical properties Key Features and Benefits Use level
                  Carrier Viscosity
                  (mPa.s)                  		 Resin content
                  (%)
                  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
                  MIRASIL TM MSR 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%
                    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%