Question 1

What does Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is a silicone-based it used as a texture modifier, thickener, soft-focus agent, and emulsifying aid, especially in silicone-rich or water-in-silicone systems. It gives slip, cushioning, and a smoother afterfeel while helping suspend pigments or powders.

Question 2

Is Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer clean?

Accepted Answer

It is generally low-irritation and inert on skin, but it has friction with many clean-beauty standards because it is a synthetic silicone polymer. The main concern is not skin tolerance, but restricted-list status tied to environmental persistence and low biodegradability.

Question 3

Is Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is synthetically made from silicone chemistry, with feedstocks ultimately linked to mineral silica and petrochemical inputs. It is not readily biodegradable, and silicone polymers can persist in wastewater sludge and sediments.

Question 4

Is Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

It is not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because synthetic silicone polymers are outside the allowed ingredient scope. From a Green Chemistry perspective, it aligns poorly due to nonrenewable inputs and limited biodegradability, despite being stable and used at relatively low levels.

Question 5

How does Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is a crosslinked polysiloxane network modified with hydrophilic polyglycerin segments, which gives it both silicone compatibility and some interfacial activity. It is typically used at low single-digit percentages, is stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges, and performs best when pre-dispersed or swollen into compatible oil or silicone phases.