Silicone crosspolymers: customising sensory feel

These silicone elastomers are based on crosslinked dimethicone and are typically supplied in the form of swollen gels that contain various silicones like cyclopentasiloxane or dimethicones. Silicone crosspolymers provide unique sensory properties that are unlike anything else available in the market. Silicone crosspolymers for personal care applications were first developed in Japan and continuously enjoyed a successful development ever since; they are now available from several suppliers. Crosspolymers do not only exist in the form of elastomer gels composed of silicone elastomers swollen by silicone fluids but also in the form of powders, emulsions or surfactants. In this article, we will explore the most common form of crosspolymers, namely elastomer gels. Silicones often function as a performance additive in personal care formulations and are crucial for future personal care innovations.

 Applications

Commonly known thickening agents have never been well compatible with silicone formulations, or did not give the right sensory profile. Silicone crosspolymers are materials which have been developed to overcome these problems. They are used as thickening agents in silicone-based systems (W/Si and W/O formulations and silicone fluids). Additionally they are compatible with various lipophilic active ingredients such as fragrances, sunscreens and vitamins and as such act as stabilising agents. They provide a non-greasy and light silky skin feel and they reduce tackiness of formulations. As such, they are used in a wide range of personal care applications including but not only limited to skin care, hair care, antiperspirants and deodorants and formulations such as sunscreens and colour cosmetics. As a downside of the success of crosspolymer development, their use in personal care products may be subject to application patents. This has to be taken into account by the reader.