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DIMETHICONE/PPG-20 CROSSPOLYMER.

Valuable CAS - / SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

DIMETHICONE/PPG-20 CROSSPOLYMER is a versatile silicone-based polymer engineered to enhance cosmetic formulation aesthetics and skin feel. It forms a lightweight, protective film on the skin, delivering a smooth, non-greasy, and powdery finish, while subtly blurring the appearance of fine lines.

Summary

Thickening Agent Emulsifier Stabilizer Protective Barrier Texture Enhancer Spreadability Enhancer Slip Agent Sebum Absorber Shine Controller Fine Line Blurring

Science

Mechanism of Action

This silicone elastomer functions as a multi-tasking ingredient, primarily as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer within cosmetic formulations. On the skin, it establishes a thin, porous barrier to help minimize transepidermal water loss without being occlusive. It significantly improves a product's spreadability and slip, imparting a soft, matte feel by absorbing excess sebum and controlling shine. Its elastomer gel structure can also visually reduce the appearance of fine lines by filling and blurring them. Furthermore, it stabilizes formulas, particularly those containing both oil and silicone phases, and aids in the uniform delivery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic active ingredients.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.1–0.6%
Optimal

0.6%

Key findings

  1. 01 Observed for texture-enhancing properties in sunscreens and leave-on products.
  2. 02 Reported use in skin fresheners.
  3. 03 Reported use in other leave-on cosmetic products.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Typically supplied as a viscous gel, often predispersed in a silicone carrier fluid such as Caprylyl Methicone. It functions as an effective rheology modifier for both water-based and anhydrous systems, maintaining texture stability even at high water (up to 75%) or glycerin (up to 40%) concentrations. Its emulsifying properties contribute to formula stability by effectively binding oil-based and silicone-based ingredients, allowing for the creation of clear systems.

Synergies

  • Stabilizes oil and silicone phases in emulsions.
  • Enhances the delivery of both oil-loving and water-loving active ingredients.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.6%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed the safety of 62 dimethicone crosspolymer ingredients, including DIMETHICONE/PPG-20 CROSSPOLYMER, concluding they are safe under current practices of use and concentration. Specifically, this ingredient's reported use concentrations in leave-on products extend up to 0.6%. Its large molecular size ensures minimal to no skin penetration, thereby limiting systemic exposure.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

DIMETHICONE/PPG-20 CROSSPOLYMER is a valuable silicone-based polymer, recognized for its safety and multifunctionality in refining product textures, controlling shine, and visually blurring skin imperfections, making it broadly compatible across all skin types.

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