Description

Polyglyceryl-3 Trisiloxane is a cosmetic ingredient used primarily as an emollient and emulsifier in skin care and makeup products. It is synthesized by combining polyglycerin-3 with trisiloxane, resulting in a compound that enhances the spreadability and texture of cosmetic formulations while providing a lightweight, non-greasy feel.

Chemical Composition and Structure

This ingredient is a silicone-based polymer that incorporates the moisturizing properties of polyglycerin-3 and the unique characteristics of trisiloxane, which is known for its volatility and ability to evaporate quickly without leaving a residue. The combination results in a product that offers excellent spreadability, enhances skin feel, and helps to form stable emulsions.

Physical Properties

Polyglyceryl-3 Trisiloxane typically appears as a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish liquid. It is notable for its low viscosity and excellent solubility in both silicone oils and organic solvents, making it ideal for use in a variety of cosmetic formulations, including water-in-silicone and water-in-oil emulsions.

Production Process

Synthesis: The synthesis of Polyglyceryl-3 Trisiloxane involves the esterification of polyglycerin-3 with trisiloxane. This process is typically carried out under controlled conditions to ensure precise bonding and high product purity.
Purification: After synthesis, the product undergoes several purification steps to remove any unreacted materials and impurities, ensuring a high level of purity and quality suitable for cosmetic use.
Quality Control: Extensive quality control measures are conducted on the final product to assess its purity, stability, and performance in cosmetic formulations. Tests often include viscosity measurements, stability testing under various conditions, and compatibility tests with other cosmetic ingredients.

Applications

Cosmetic Products: Used in creams, serums, foundations, and sunscreen formulations, where it acts as an effective emollient and emulsifier, improving product texture and sensory properties.
Skin Care: Particularly beneficial in lightweight moisturizers and anti-aging products where it provides hydration without a heavy feel.
Makeup: Enhances the application and longevity of makeup products by improving spreadability and reducing the feeling of heaviness.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Polyglyceryl-3 Trisiloxane is considered safe for use in cosmetic products and is generally well-tolerated by the skin. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. As a synthetic compound, it is designed to be stable and environmentally benign under normal use conditions. Proper use within recommended concentrations is important to ensure safety and effectiveness.

INCI


Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of 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 that can be added in the formulation.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
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