Polypropylsilsesquioxane ●
TL;DR. This ingredient functions mainly as a film-former and texture modifier, adding slip, a soft-focus feel, transfer resistance, and water resistance to makeup, sunscreens, and long-wear formulas.
What does Polypropylsilsesquioxane do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient functions mainly as a film-former and texture modifier, adding slip, a soft-focus feel, transfer resistance, and water resistance to makeup, sunscreens, and long-wear formulas.
Is Polypropylsilsesquioxane clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this material has friction because it is a synthetic organosilicon polymer and is often flagged by standards that limit persistent synthetic polymers. Skin irritation potential is generally low, so the main issue is standard eligibility rather than routine tolerance.
Is Polypropylsilsesquioxane sustainable?
This material comes from mineral silicon chemistry combined with petrochemical organic groups, using an industrial synthesis route rather than a renewable plant pathway. It is expected to be poorly biodegradable and can persist as polymeric residue after use.
Is Polypropylsilsesquioxane COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic as a synthetic organosilicon polymer. Its Green Chemistry fit is limited because it relies on nonrenewable inputs and has low biodegradability, despite being stable and effective at low formula levels.
How does Polypropylsilsesquioxane work chemically?
The molecule is a crosslinked organosilicon network with Si-O-Si structure and propyl organic substitution, which explains its hydrophobicity, dry slip, and durable film formation. It is water-insoluble and generally pH-insensitive in finished formulas, with typical use often in the low single digits up to about 10% depending on film strength and sensory target.
Last updated 2026-05-13