C20-24 Alkyl Dimethicone is an inorganic chemical compound, a Dimethicone by-product.
The name describes the structure of the molecule:
- C20-24 Alkyl refers to an alkyl chain, which is a type of hydrocarbon chain, which contains between 20 and 24 carbon atoms. Alkyl chains are common in a variety of organic compounds and can affect the properties of the compound, such as its solubility and reactivity.
- Dimethicone is a type of silicone oil with two methyl groups attached to the silicone atom. Dimethicone is widely used in cosmetics due to its ability to smooth skin texture, fill fine lines and wrinkles and provide a barrier against moisture loss.
The synthesis process takes place in different steps:
- Preparation of Dimethicone. Dimethicone, also known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is a type of silicone that can be synthesized by hydrolysing Dimethyldichlorosilane with water.
- Alkylation. Dimethicone is reacted with C20-24 alkyl halide in a process known as alkylation. This introduces the C20-24 alkyl group on dimethicone, forming C20-24 Alkyl Dimethicone.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants.
Surfactant - Suspending agent. Cosmetic or pharmaceutical suspensions are known to be thermodynamically unstable and it is therefore essential to include in the formulation a suspending agent capable of dispersing any sedimented particulates and reducing the rate of sedimentation. The presence of this agent increases the consistency of the suspension medium and exerts a protective colloidal action with a surfactant action.
Safety
Dimethicone ((polydimethylsiloxane) is a chemical compound, a high molecular weight polymer derived from silicone, a chemically inert mixture of linear methylated siloxane polymers. The term 'dimeth' denotes two methyl groups bonded to the silicone molecule that provide the formation of dimethicone. It possesses a pronounced viscoelasticity characteristic and is hydrophobic, thus adding shine and slipperiness when applied to hair or skin. It forms a kind of barrier that prevents exogenous substances from entering the stratum corneum and at the same time prevents water loss. It is also UV-resistant, non-greasy and cost-effective. At low concentrations it is considered by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to be a skin protector with a good degree of safety.
It is therefore considered safe when formulated to be non-irritating in cosmetic products as, given its high molecular weight, it is poorly absorbed by the skin or scalp.
CAS: 200074-76-6
