PHENYL TRIMETHICONE- ▸ Emollient: skin- and hair-conditioning silicone for cosmetics
- ▸ Antifoaming: antifoam additive in formulations
- ▸ Antistatic: antistatic agent in hair-care products
- ▸ Viscosity control: viscosity modifier in cosmetic systems
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Phenyl trimethicone (CAS 2116-84-9) is a phenyl-modified silicone fluid used as an emollient and gloss agent in cosmetics and personal care. Its phenyl groups raise the refractive index (~1.46-1.50) well above standard dimethicone (~1.40), which is why formulators choose it to deliver shine, a smooth dry feel, and water-resistant film in hair, skin, and color products. RawSource supplies it in bulk to formulators and purchasing teams on an RFQ basis.
What is phenyl trimethicone?
Phenyl trimethicone is a low-viscosity, phenyl-substituted polysiloxane supplied as a clear, mobile fluid. Replacing some of the methyl groups on the siloxane backbone with phenyl groups gives it a notably higher refractive index than methyl silicones such as dimethicone. That higher RI is the mechanism behind its primary value: it bends and reflects light at the film surface, producing visible gloss and depth of shine. It is oil-soluble (not water-soluble), compatible with a broad range of organic emollients and esters, and miscible with ethanol up to roughly 95%, making it an easy drop-in for the oil phase of most personal-care systems. INCI: Phenyl Trimethicone. Synonym: phenyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane. EINECS 218-320-6.
Applications by sector
Phenyl trimethicone is selected over methyl silicones whenever a formulation needs optical gloss plus a non-greasy, water-resistant feel. Common bulk uses by sector include:
Hair care
Used in shine and gloss serums, anti-frizz sprays, leave-ins, and styling products. The high refractive index delivers visible sheen, while the low surface tension gives even spread and slip for detangling and a smooth surface feel. The hydrophobic film also supports frizz control and helps shield the hair surface in humid conditions.
Skin care
Valued for a silky, non-greasy, dry-touch slip and a subtle glossy finish in moisturizers, primers, and body products. Because the film is hydrophobic, it is widely used in sun care to support water-resistance claims and to improve the spread and feel of the oil phase. It reduces tackiness without the heavy occlusion of some emollients.
Color cosmetics
Used in lip products, foundations, and makeup where the high RI builds gloss and depth of color, aids pigment wetting and dispersion, and contributes to a smooth, polished, longer-wearing finish. The dry, anti-tack feel makes it a common gloss vehicle without the stickiness of many ester oils.
Phenyl trimethicone vs dimethicone
The two are often compared because both are silicone fluids, but they are chosen for different effects. The phenyl groups are what set phenyl trimethicone apart:
| Property | Phenyl trimethicone | Dimethicone |
|---|---|---|
| Backbone | Phenyl-substituted siloxane | Methyl (dimethyl) siloxane |
| Refractive index | ~1.46-1.50 (higher) | ~1.40 (lower) |
| Gloss / shine | High — primary use | Low to moderate |
| Skin/hair feel | Dry, non-greasy, low-tack | Smooth, more slip-forward |
| Spreadability | Even spread, low surface tension | Good spreadability |
| Water solubility | Not water-soluble (oil phase) | Not water-soluble (oil phase) |
| Typical role | Gloss, shine, water-resistant feel | Conditioning, slip, defoaming |
In short: reach for phenyl trimethicone when the brief calls for shine and a polished optical finish; dimethicone remains the workhorse for general slip and conditioning where high gloss is not required.
Forms and grade
Phenyl trimethicone is supplied as a clear, low-viscosity silicone fluid (HS code 3910.00). Viscosity grade and exact specification vary by source; request the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the specific grade offered so you can confirm viscosity, refractive index, and appearance against your formulation requirements before committing to a bulk order.
Handling and documentation
Handle as a cosmetic-grade silicone fluid in line with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which governs storage, handling, and personal protective equipment for the grade supplied. We provide the CoA and SDS with every quote. RawSource does not make medical, therapeutic, or efficacy claims; performance in a finished product depends on your formulation and should be validated under your own protocols.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource sources phenyl trimethicone in bulk for cosmetic and personal-care manufacturers — drums, totes, and container loads. Pricing depends on grade, viscosity, volume, and packaging, so we quote against your actual requirement rather than a list price. Submit an RFQ with your target quantity and grade, and we will return current pricing along with the CoA and SDS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is phenyl trimethicone a silicone?
Yes. Phenyl trimethicone (CAS 2116-84-9) is a phenyl-substituted polysiloxane, i.e. a silicone fluid, supplied as a clear liquid. It is used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, antifoaming and antistatic agent, and as a viscosity modifier.
Phenyl trimethicone vs dimethicone — what is the difference?
Phenyl trimethicone has a higher refractive index (~1.46-1.50 vs ~1.40 for dimethicone), so it delivers much more gloss and shine. Both are silicone fluids, but phenyl trimethicone carries phenyl groups on the siloxane backbone, giving it a drier, less greasy finish and making it the preferred choice for shine; dimethicone is favored for general slip and conditioning.
Is phenyl trimethicone good for hair?
Phenyl trimethicone is widely used in hair gloss and shine serums because its high refractive index produces visible sheen. It also spreads easily for slip and detangling and forms a hydrophobic film that supports frizz control. As with any cosmetic ingredient, suitability for a finished product is determined by your formulation and testing.
Is phenyl trimethicone water soluble?
No. Phenyl trimethicone is not water-soluble; it is an oil-phase silicone fluid. It is compatible with a broad range of organic emollients and esters and is miscible with ethanol up to roughly 95%, which makes it easy to incorporate into the oil phase of cosmetic systems.
Why does phenyl trimethicone add gloss?
The phenyl groups on its siloxane backbone raise its refractive index (~1.46-1.50), so the film reflects more light at the surface and reads as gloss and shine. This optical effect, combined with even spread and a dry, non-greasy feel, is why it is used in hair serums, lip products, and color cosmetics.
What is the cost of bulk phenyl trimethicone?
Pricing depends on grade, viscosity, volume, and packaging. Request a bulk quote with your required quantity rather than relying on a list price, and we will return current pricing along with the CoA and SDS.
