Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

Safety Information

Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety

The safety of dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer and vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer has been assessed by the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety. The Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products.

Based on the size of the dimethicone crosspolymer ingredients and the lack of water solubility, the Expert Panel concluded that these ingredients would not penetrate the skin. Dermal irritation and sensitization studies of these ingredients did not identify any adverse effects.

Based on the available data, the Expert Panel concluded that dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone vinyl/dimethicone crosspolymer and vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer are safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products.

Dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone vinyl/dimethicone crosspolymer and vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Resources

Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

What Is It?

Dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer and vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer are flexible silicon polymers consisting of dimethicone copolymers that are linked together (crosslinked). In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in deodorants, makeup, and skin and hair care products.

Why Is It Used?

In cosmetics and personal care products, dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone vinyl/dimethicone crosspolymer and vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer all function as viscosity increasing agents – nonaqueous. Dimethicone crosspolymer also functions as a dispersing agent – nonsurfactant, an emulsion stabilizer and a hair fixative.

Scientific Facts

The dimethicone crosspolymer ingredients are large molecules that are not soluble in water. These ingredients are typically supplied to cosmetic product manufacturers as swollen gels.