Cetearyl dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer is a chemical compound, silicone elastomer with characteristics of high heat resistance and elasticity adaptable to both high and low temperatures, consisting of crosslinked dimethicone copolymers with a bifunctional agent. It is produced by hydroxylation by adding silicon hydride bonds with a catalyst, usually platinum. Crosslinked polymer containing dimethicone and vinyldimethicone.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Cetearyl Dimethicone indicates the presence of cetearyl dimethicone, a derivative of dimethicone, a type of silicone modified with cetearyl groups, which are fatty acid chains. This modification imparts improved emollient and conditioning properties to the compound.
• vinyl Dimethicone refers to another derivative of dimethicone, modified with vinyl groups. This modification further enhances the properties of the silicone, such as flexibility and resilience.
• crosspolymer  indicates that the compound is a crosslinked polymer. Crosslinked polymers have a three-dimensional structure that improves the stability, strength, and viscosity of the product.

Raw Materials and Their Functions:

Cetearyl Dimethicone, vinyl dimethicone and Crosslinking Agents (Chemicals used to facilitate the crosslinking reaction between cetearyl dimethicone and vinyl dimethicone, forming a three-dimensional network that enhances the properties of the final product).

Industrial Chemical Synthesis of Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

• Polymerization of cetearyl dimethicone and vinyl dimethicone. During this stage, crosslinking agents are introduced to facilitate the formation of a crosslinked silicone network.
• Reaction Control. The polymerization and crosslinking reactions are carefully controlled to ensure the formation of a stable and consistent crosspolymer with the desired physical and chemical properties.
• Purification. After the reaction, the cetearyl dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer is purified to remove any unreacted monomers, impurities, and by-products.
• Quality Control. The purified crosspolymer undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure it meets the required standards. Once approved, it is packaged for use in various cosmetic and personal care products, where it enhances texture, stability, and performance.

Form and color

White fine powder.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

Hair fixative. This ingredient has the ability to create, with its protective film, stiffness and hold in the hair, and also has the ability to form, with its hydrophilic and elastic properties, bonds between the hair fibres, to keep the hair in a particular shape for a certain time.

Safety

 Dimethicone is considered a safe component and impurities, according to the most up-to-date data, are of no health concern.

References________________________________________________________________________

Bährle-Rapp, M., & Bährle-Rapp, M. (2007). Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer. Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege, 98-98.