Common Name(s): Silicone derivative,conditioning film-former,silky skin/hair feel
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides silicone conditioning, film-forming, and silky skin/hair feel.
Why It's Used: Silicone conditioning agent โ the si-o siloxane backbone's unique molecular flexibility (360ยฐ si-o bond rotation) provides an ultra-thin, conforming, silky film on hair and skin surfaces that is both water-repellent and lubricating.
How It Works: Siloxane si-o backbone with organic substituents. ultra-flexible: 360ยฐ rotation. very low surface energy: silky feel. water-repellent film. heat protection: high thermal stability. anti-frizz: humidity barrier. low irritation.
Typically Found In: Hair conditioners,skin care,heat protection
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Silicone film flexibility from si-o bond rotation: organic polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene) have restricted carbon backbone rotation providing relatively rigid chains. si-o bond in silicones has 360ยฐ free rotation combined with the long si-o bond length (1.64รฅ vs c-c 1.54รฅ) โ this geometric freedom allows silicone polymer chains to adopt an ultra-flat conformation along any surface. the surface-following flexibility produces the ultra-thin, highly conforming conditioning film providing the characteristic silicone silky feel that rigid organic polymers cannot reproduce.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,silicone surface flexibility film review