- “Silicone” is a family, not one ingredient — each type does a different sensory or performance job in a cosmetic formulation.
- Match the silicone to the goal: volatile carry (cyclopentasiloxane), slip & conditioning (dimethicone), gloss (phenyl trimethicone), frizz control (dimethiconol), emulsification (PEG-12 dimethicone), long-wear (MQ resin).
- The two decisions that drive everything: volatile vs non-volatile, and, for dimethicone, viscosity (cSt).
Silicones give modern cosmetics their signature feel — the dry, silky glide of a primer, the weightless slip of a serum, the durable shine of a top coat. But “silicone” spans a dozen chemistries, and choosing the wrong one is the difference between a product that feels premium and one that feels greasy or drags. This guide maps which silicone does which job in skin care, hair care and color cosmetics, and routes you to the specific grades RawSource supplies.
Which silicone for which job
| Formulation goal | Silicone | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Volatile carrier, fast dry-down, no residue | Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), hexamethyldisiloxane | Evaporates cleanly, carries actives and leaves a dry finish |
| Slip, spreadability, light skin feel | Dimethicone (low viscosity, ~5–100 cSt) | Non-volatile emollient film; reduces drag |
| Cushion, occlusive protective film | Dimethicone (high cSt) / silicone gum | Durable, water-repellent film |
| Gloss & shine (hair, lip, color) | Phenyl Trimethicone | High refractive index (~1.46) for optical shine |
| Frizz control & durable shine | Dimethiconol (in a D5 blend) | High-MW film former deposits on hair |
| Hair substantivity / conditioning of damage | Amino-functional silicone | Charge-directed deposition onto damaged sites |
| Emulsification (water-in-silicone, O/W) | PEG-12 Dimethicone | Silicone-compatible emulsifier (chosen by HLB) |
| Long-wear, transfer- & water-resistance | Trimethylsiloxysilicate (MQ resin) | Film-forming silicone resin locks color/UV filters down |
The first decision: volatile vs non-volatile
Volatile silicones (cyclopentasiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane) flash off after application — they deliver a luxurious application feel and carry other ingredients, then leave a dry, non-greasy finish. Non-volatile silicones (dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone, dimethiconol) stay on the surface to condition, protect and shine. Most finished products blend the two: a volatile carrier for the application experience plus a non-volatile silicone for the lasting effect.
The second decision: dimethicone viscosity
Dimethicone is supplied across a wide viscosity range, and viscosity sets the feel. Low-viscosity grades (5–100 cSt) spread thin and light for serums and primers; mid grades (350–1,000 cSt) build slip and cushion; high-viscosity fluids and gums (10,000 cSt and up) form durable, water-repellent films for barrier and styling products. We stock the full range from 1.5 cSt to 500,000 cSt plus silicone gum, so a formula can be tuned by grade rather than by switching chemistry.
Cosmetic silicones we supply
Bulk and sample quantities, INCI-grade. Match the chemistry to the job, then the grade to the feel.
Formulator deep-dives
Frequently asked questions
Which silicone should I use for hair versus skin?
The choice is driven by the goal, not the body site. For a light, dry application feel in either, use a volatile carrier like cyclopentasiloxane. For conditioning slip use dimethicone (viscosity chosen by the feel you want); for optical shine on hair or lips use phenyl trimethicone; for frizz control and durable hair shine use dimethiconol; and for hair damage targeting use an amino-functional silicone that deposits where the charge sites are.
What is the difference between cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and dimethicone?
Cyclopentasiloxane is volatile — it evaporates after application, leaving a dry, residue-free finish, and it is widely used as a carrier. Dimethicone is non-volatile — it stays on the surface to condition, add slip and form a protective film. Many products use both: D5 for the application experience, dimethicone for the lasting effect.
Why use phenyl trimethicone instead of dimethicone for shine?
Phenyl trimethicone has a higher refractive index (about 1.46 versus roughly 1.40 for dimethicone), which is what produces visible optical gloss on hair, lips and color cosmetics. Dimethicone conditions and adds slip but does not deliver the same shine.
How do I choose a dimethicone viscosity?
Match viscosity to feel: low cSt (5–100) for light, spreadable serums and primers; mid cSt (350–1,000) for slip and cushion; high cSt and gums (10,000+) for durable, water-repellent films. Because the chemistry is the same, you can tune a formula by grade instead of switching ingredients.
How are cosmetic silicones supplied and quoted?
They are supplied as INCI-grade fluids, blends or resins, specified by INCI name, viscosity/grade and form. Send your target chemistry and grade (or the sensory result you need) and volume for a quote; the Certificate of Analysis governs the delivered specification.
Disclaimer
Information on this page describes the formulation function of cosmetic ingredients and is provided for general reference. Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis governs. Products are sold for professional cosmetic manufacturing use. Nothing here is a medical, health or efficacy claim. Confirm INCI status, regulatory compliance and suitability for your formulation and jurisdiction; always consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.
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