Polysilicone-15: properties, uses, pros, cons, safety

Polysilicone-15 is a chemical compound, is the siloxane polymer.

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• Poly refers to polymers, which are large molecules composed of repeated subunits. In the context of chemical science and materials, a polymer is a large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits, known as monomers.
• Silicone is a type of synthetic material with a wide range of uses, from lubricants to medical applications to cosmetics. Silicones are polymers that include any synthetic compound consisting of repeated units of siloxane, which is a chain of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms, combined with carbon and/or hydrogen.

• -15 refers to the average number of repeated units in the polymer. This is an average number because the actual number of repeated units may vary from molecule to molecule.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Silicon. The primary chemical element for producing silicones.
• Organic compounds. These provide the functional groups necessary to form the polymer, such as "diethylbenzalmalonate".
• Catalysts. Often used to facilitate and expedite the polymerization reaction.

Detailed summary of the production process.

• Preparation of Raw Materials. Silicon is purified and converted into silicone precursors.
• Polymerization. The precursors react in the presence of a catalyst to form polymer chains.
• Introduction of diethylbenzalmalonate. This compound is introduced to the system to functionalize the polymer and give it UV absorbing properties.
• Purification. The polymer is purified to remove impurities and unreacted compounds.
• Packaging. Polysilicone-15 is packed into appropriate containers for distribution.

Polysilicone-15 is a type of silicone, which are typically colorless and can come in various forms such as oils, rubbers, or resins. However, the exact form and color of Polysilicone-15 may depend on how it is processed or used in specific products. 

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

It is a restricted ingredient as VI/26  a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported: Dimethicodiethylbenzalmalonate (Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation    10%).

Photostabiliser. It’s a chemical compound that absorbs UV radiation and dissipates absorbed energy in a harmless form like heat or radiation.

Light stabilizer. It prevents light from degrading light-sensitive components and slows down degradation reactions that have already begun. The mechanism is, in a way, similar to antioxidants and the effectiveness depends on the.complexity of the formulation and the density of the product.

UV filter. It is the defining ingredient in sun creams that can mitigate the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a high risk factor for the development of skin cancer, erythema and photo-ageing.

UV absorber. It acts by intercepting ultraviolet light before it can cause damage by reducing its energy through dissipation and returning it to a lower energy state.

Safety

Silicones have high chemical stability but low biodegradability and high bioaccumulation potential.

It is an ingredient that has a high bioaccumulation and persistence.

CAS  207574-74-1

EC number 426-000-4