Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer is a cross-linked silicone elastomer in which a dimethicone backbone is grafted with short polyether (PEG-10 and PEG-15) chains.
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Cross-linking gives it a three-dimensional gel network that thickens and suspends oils.
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The PEG side-chains make the surface of the elastomer amphiphilic, so it can anchor both to silicone oils and to water droplets.
| Function |
Practical effect in a formula |
| Primary emulsifier for water-in-silicone (W/Si) and W/O/W |
Can stabilize up to ≈ 90 % internal water phase without conventional surfactants, giving “water-break” sensory creams |
| Viscosity & structure builder |
Creates soft, cushiony gel matrices, suspends pigments/UV filters, reduces syneresis |
| Sensory modifier |
Adds silky slip, quick-dry, powdery after-feel, optical blurring of fine lines |
| Oil-soluble carrier |
Improves distribution of sunscreens and colorants across the skin surface |
| Electrolyte & pH tolerance |
Stable from pH ≈ 4 – 9 and moderate salt levels—useful in active-rich formulas |
| Target system |
As-supplied elastomer |
Notes |
| W/Si cream or gel |
3 – 10 % |
Combine with a low-HLB silicone copolyol (e.g., PEG-10 dimethicone) or additional Specsil S-397 for maximum long-term stability. |
| Silicone suspension primer |
1 – 5 % |
Gives “soft-focus” effect and sebum mattifying finish. |
| Hybrid O/W with silicone top-feel |
0.5 – 2 % |
Post-add at < 40 °C to avoid air entrapment. |
Process (cold-mix example for a 75 %-water W/Si gel):
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Oil phase – Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer 5 %, dimethicone (5 cSt) 10 %, cyclopentasiloxane 3 %, isododecane 5 %.
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Begin slow propeller agitation; sprinkle in crosspolymer until fully wet-out (≈ 10 min).
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Aqueous phase – DI water 75 %, glycerin 3 %, preservative 0.5 %.
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Switch to moderate shear; add water phase slowly. Viscosity builds as droplets are trapped inside the silicone gel network.
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Homogenize 30 s at 3000 rpm to fine-tune droplet size, avoiding > 10 k rpm which can over-shear the network.
Heating above ≈ 70 °C can shorten PEG chains and thin the gel; keep to cold or < 45 °C processing when possible.
Compatibility & formulation pointers
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Works with most organic sunscreens (EHT, DHHB, BEMT), pigments, silicone resins, sensory esters and volatile silicones.
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Avoid very high levels of ethanol (> 20 %) or strong bases (pH > 10) which can collapse the elastomer.
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For PEG-free or “clean-silicone” claims, swap to Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer and add a separate silicone copolyol surfactant.
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Combine with micronized silica or boron nitride for extra oil control in primers.
Application: As an emulsifier in w/sil gel
How to mix: Mix in oil or silicone part
Usage rate: 0.1-10%
Product Description: Translucent gel
Dissolving: Can be dispersed in oil or silicone.
Storage: Can be stored at room temperature, but close the bottle tightly and keep away from sunlight or heat. The product has a shelf life of at least 2 years.
INCI Name : Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
