Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone

TL;DR. This ingredient functions mainly as a silicone-based emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent. It helps disperse water or pigments in oil-rich phases while adding slip and a smoother after-feel.

What does Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient functions mainly as a silicone-based emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent. It helps disperse water or pigments in oil-rich phases while adding slip and a smoother after-feel.

Is Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone clean?

From a clean beauty perspective, it is usually flagged because it belongs to the synthetic silicone family, even though skin irritation potential is generally low. The main friction is environmental persistence and brand restricted-list treatment, not a common allergy profile.

Is Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone sustainable?

This material is made through synthetic silicon chemistry rather than direct renewable sourcing. It is not expected to be readily biodegradable, so its sustainability profile is weaker than plant-derived, readily degradable emulsifiers or conditioners.

Is Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone COSMOS-approved?

It is not aligned with COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because synthetic silicone materials are not permitted in those frameworks. Its Green Chemistry fit is limited by non-renewable feedstock dependence, specialized synthesis, and poor biodegradability.

How does Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone work chemically?

The molecule has a silicon-oxygen backbone modified with hydrophilic glyceryl groups and lipophilic C11 alkyl character, giving it amphiphilic behavior at oil, silicone, and water interfaces. It is typically used at low single-digit levels in emulsions, color cosmetics, and skin-care textures, and it is generally oxidation-stable compared with unsaturated plant oils.

Last updated 2026-05-13