Polysilicone-1 is a synthetic silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetic and personal care products for its film-forming, conditioning, and protective properties. It is commonly employed in products such as sunscreens, hair care treatments, and skin care formulations. Polysilicone-1 forms a breathable, protective film on the skin or hair, helping to lock in moisture while providing a smooth, non-greasy finish. It is particularly valued for its ability to enhance the long-lasting effects of active ingredients and to improve the texture of cosmetic formulations.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Polysilicone-1 is a polysiloxane polymer, which is a type of silicone composed of repeating siloxane units (Si-O-Si) combined with organic groups. The molecular structure of polysilicone-1 allows it to form a flexible, lightweight film that adheres well to the surface of the skin or hair. Its unique chemical structure makes it water-resistant and non-occlusive, allowing the skin to breathe while protecting it from environmental factors. Polysilicone-1 is designed to be compatible with both oil- and water-based formulations, making it a versatile ingredient in the cosmetic industry.
Physical Properties
Polysilicone-1 typically appears as a clear, viscous liquid or gel. It is soluble in various organic solvents and can be dispersed in both oil and water-based systems. The polymer has a high degree of flexibility and durability, forming a film that resists water and wear. Its film-forming properties make it particularly effective in products that require long-lasting wear, such as sunscreens and makeup. Polysilicone-1 provides a smooth, silky texture to formulations without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.
Production Process
The production of polysilicone-1 involves the polymerization of siloxane units with specific organic side chains to create a stable and flexible silicone polymer. The key steps include:
Polymerization: The base silicone monomers are polymerized in a controlled reaction, forming long chains of siloxane units.
Modification: The polymer is modified with organic groups to enhance its film-forming and conditioning properties, ensuring it provides the desired performance in cosmetic formulations.
Purification: The resulting polymer is purified to remove any unreacted monomers or impurities, ensuring a high-quality product suitable for use in cosmetics.
Formulation: Polysilicone-1 is then incorporated into various cosmetic and personal care products, where it enhances texture, durability, and protection.
Applications
Sunscreens: Polysilicone-1 is widely used in sunscreen formulations due to its water-resistant properties. It helps the active ingredients in sunscreens remain on the skin even after exposure to water or sweat, providing longer-lasting protection.
Hair Care: In hair care products, polysilicone-1 forms a protective film around the hair shaft, improving shine, smoothness, and manageability. It helps prevent moisture loss and protects hair from environmental damage such as humidity and heat.
Makeup: In makeup formulations, polysilicone-1 provides a smooth, even finish, enhancing the application and wear of products such as foundations and primers. Its film-forming properties help makeup last longer and resist smudging or fading.
Skincare: Polysilicone-1 is used in skincare products to create a protective barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture while protecting against environmental stressors. It is often included in products designed to improve skin hydration and texture.
INCI Functions:
Antifoaming agent. The constituent factors for foam stabilisation are the concentration of nanoparticles and hydrophobicity. Foam, even when used in separation operations such as fractionation or flotation, can cause a decrease in density and a deterioration in quality in cosmetic products. The defoaming agent (non-polar oil, silicone oils, hydrophobic solid particles or mixtures of both) is strongly influenced by viscosity and, to an almost directly proportional extent, concentration. However, defoamers can carry an irreversible source of contamination.
Hair conditioning agent. A large number of ingredients with specific purposes can co-exist in a hair shampoo: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, mattifying agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersing agents that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioners includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Polysilicone-1 is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing when used as directed, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.
However, as a synthetic silicone-based polymer, it is not biodegradable and may contribute to environmental persistence when washed off in rinse-off products. As with other silicones, concerns about its accumulation in aquatic environments have led to increased interest in sustainable alternatives or improved waste management practices.
Polysilicone-1 
