Question 1

What does Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is primarily a texture modifier and soft-focus film former, used to give formulas a silky, powdery feel while blurring shine and improving spread. It can also help suspend pigments and control oiliness in primers, foundations, sunscreens, and complexion products.

Question 2

Is Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer clean?

Accepted Answer

From a clean-beauty perspective, it is usually well tolerated on skin and has low allergen or sensitization concern. The main friction is standards-based, since many clean frameworks restrict persistent synthetic polymers even when skin compatibility is good.

Question 3

Is Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is synthetic and not readily biodegradable, so its environmental profile is weaker than plant-derived or readily degradable alternatives. It is valued at low use levels, but persistence and end-of-life concerns drive most sustainability scrutiny.

Question 4

Is Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

It is generally not permitted under COSMOS organic or natural standards because it is a synthetic, nonbiodegradable polymer. Its Green Chemistry fit is limited by nonrenewable feedstocks and persistence, although it can improve formula aesthetics without high loading.

Question 5

How does Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is a crosslinked, three-dimensional polymer network built from methyl-substituted silicon-oxygen units, which creates an elastic, porous structure rather than a water-soluble active. Typical use levels are often about 0.5% to 10% depending on the format, and it is broadly pH-stable, oil-dispersible, and used late in processing to preserve texture.