Characteristics, products and environmental substitution trends of silicone crosslinked polymers (Silicone Elastomers) in two solvent systems
The performance of silicone crosslinked polymers is closely related to the choice of solvent. Among them, low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane are currently two widely used solvent systems. The silicone elastomer blend derived from the two is complementary in terms of skin texture, environmental protection, and application scenarios.Unlike traditional silicone raw materials, the silicone crosslinked polymers of these two solvent systems use crosslinked high molecular weight silicone polymers as the core mesh structure. Through the carrier action of different solvents, the performance is differentiated and adapted to diverse formulation needs.
Core differences between the two solvent systems
As the solvents of silicone crosslinked polymers, Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane have core differences in volatility, skin texture, and environmental protection properties. This difference also determines the application scenarios and market trends of the two.
Low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane solvent system, with low-viscosity characteristics as the core advantage, as a non-volatile carrier, can form a stable blending system with the crosslinked polymer mesh structure, non-volatile and non-residual, the core role is to highlight the velvety skin feeling and long-lasting moisturizing matte properties of silicone elastomers, suitable for formulas with high requirements for skin density and moisturizing durability, and the environmental protection is better than that of traditional cyclic silicone oils, and there is no need to worry about the cumulative harm of volatiles to the environment.
Cyclopentasiloxane solvent system is a volatile silicone oil carrier. Its low viscosity (about 3-5 cst, close to the viscosity of water) and low surface tension characteristics allow silicone elastomers to spread quickly, bringing a quick-drying and cool skin feeling. At the same time, as a carrier, it can evenly disperse the active ingredients in the formula and improve the smoothness of the product.
It is worth noting that the silicone crosslinked polymer of the two solvent systems can act synergistically with a variety of auxiliary raw materials in the formula. Among them, Behentrimonium chloride, as a commonly used conditioning agent and Emulsifier, can be compatible with two types of silicone elastomers, improving the stability of the formula and the skin-feeling blending effect.Hydrogenated castor oil can enhance the thickening and emulsifying properties of the system and adapt to the formulation requirements of the W/O system.Emulsifier for cosmetics can optimize the integration of the two solvent systems with other raw materials, solve the pain points of formula stratification and uneven dispersion, and expand product application scenarios.
Detailed explanation of representative commercialized products (comparison of two solvent systems)
At present, on the market, the silicone crosslinked polymers of low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane and cyclopentamethylene polydimethylsiloxane solvent systems have clear commercialized representatives. Among them, the SMOICON® series of products have become typical representatives of the two systems due to their differentiated properties. Their specific specifications, characteristics and application scenarios are as follows：
(1) Cyclopentasiloxane solvent system: SMOICON® MY652
INCI name: cyclopentasiloxane & dimethicone crosspolymer, a silicone crosslinked polymer belonging to cyclopentasiloxane solvent, is a transitional product that is still competitive in the market under the trend of environmentally friendly substitution.
Product specifications: The solid content is 10~15%, the appearance is Clear to translucent paste, and the packaging specification is 20kg/drum. Its core advantage is that the particle diameter is smaller and the transparency is better. It is different from traditional cyclopentamethylene dimethyl siloxane solvent products. Its hiding performance has been significantly improved, while retaining the quick-drying characteristics of volatile carriers.
Core properties and applicable scenarios: The skin feels delicate and light, with both refreshing and powdery texture, no sticky residue after application, and high transparency. It is suitable for makeup primer products that require natural concealer and quick-drying skin feeling, such as lightweight liquid foundation, makeup primer, concealer, etc.At the same time, it can be compatible with sunscreen active ingredients and used in sunscreen formulas. It can not only improve the spread of sunscreen products, but also reduce greasy feeling, and solve the pain points of traditional sunscreen products that are heavy and stuffy.The characteristics of its cyclopentamoldimethylsiloxane solvent give it obvious advantages in quick-drying products, but it can be used with environmentally friendly alternative solvents to gradually reduce the environmental impact.
(2) Low viscosity polydimethylsiloxane solvent system: SMOICON® MY621
INCI name: Dimethicone & Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone, is a typical representative of low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane solvent silicone crosslinked polymer, which fits the trend of environmental protection and is also one of the core directions of future formulation optimization.
Product specifications: The solid content is 10~15%, the appearance is Clear to translucent paste, and the packaging specification is 20kg/drum. Its core advantage is that it has excellent spreading, smooth application, and can be quickly absorbed by the skin, taking into account dryness and long-lasting moisturizing properties.
Core properties and applicable scenarios: The main product has a velvety and silky skin feeling, no volatility, and can form a breathable protective film on the surface of the skin after application, which not only ensures a dry and matte effect, but also locks in water for a long time. It is suitable for skin care products and makeup products with high requirements for moisturizing durability and skin-feeling density.In skin care products, it can be used in creams, essences, anti-aging moisturizing lotions, etc. to enhance the ductility and skin feeling of the product.In makeup, it is suitable for base makeup products that require long-lasting makeup and matte makeup effects, such as makeup liquid foundation, matte makeup primer, etc.At the same time, it can work with emulsified and thickened raw materials such as hydrogenated castor oil to optimize the stability of the anhydrous system and the oil-in-water system, and solve the problem of uneven thickening of the formula and greasy skin.
The performance of the two systems is complementary
The silicone crosslinked polymer of the low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane and cyclopentamethylene polydimethylsiloxane solvent system is not an antagonistic relationship, but forms complementary properties and adapts to different formulation needs. At the same time, under the trend of environmental protection substitution, synergistic optimization is gradually realized.
From the point of view of complementary performance, cyclopentamethylene dimethyl siloxane solvent systems (such as MY652) focus on quick-drying, refreshing, and concealer, and are suitable for skin-feeling products that pursue light, thin, and fast.Low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane solvent systems (such as MY621) focus on velvety skin feeling, long-lasting moisturizing, matte makeup, suitable for the pursuit of dense, long-lasting and gentle products.
Judging from the practice of environmental protection substitution, with the restrictions on the use of cyclopentamoldimethylsiloxane in the European Union and other regions, as well as the increase in consumer demand for environmentally friendly beauty, silicone crosslinked polymers (such as MY621) of low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane solvent systems have non-volatile and environmentally friendly properties. There is no need to worry about the harm of volatiles to the environment, and at the same time, through structural optimization, a quick-drying skin feeling similar to that of the cyclopentamoldimethylsiloxane system can be achieved.
Application scenario extension
The silicone crosslinked polymer of the two solvent systems, with its differentiated properties, has been widely used in skin care products, makeup, sunscreen and other fields, and in the formulation adaptation, it is necessary to combine the solvent characteristics and product requirements, focusing on the following points：
1. Skin-feeling adaptation: quick-drying products (such as refreshing makeup primer, lightweight sunscreen) use cyclopentamethylene dimethyl siloxane solvent system (MY652), long-lasting moisturizing, matte makeup-holding products (such as moisturizing cream, makeup foundation) use low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane solvent system (MY621).
2. Environmental protection adaptation: For products that need to meet the requirements of international regulations such as the European Union, choose a low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane solvent system, or make environmental protection substitution adjustments to the cyclopentamoldimethylsiloxane solvent system to enhance the environmental protection properties of the product.
In summary, the silicone crosslinked polymer of the low-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane and cyclopentamethylene polydimethylsiloxane solvent system is an indispensable core raw material in the beauty and personal care industry. While the performance of the two is complementary, it promotes the development of the industry in the direction of environmental protection, high efficiency and diversification.As representative products of the two major systems, MY652 and MY621 meet the formulation needs of different scenarios.
Hubei Mingya New Material Technology Co., Ltd.
