Polysilicone-11 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a texture modifier and film-former, used to give formulas a smooth, velvety feel, soft-focus finish, and better pigment or oil suspension. It is common in primers, foundations, sunscreens, and long-wear complexion products.
What does Polysilicone-11 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a texture modifier and film-former, used to give formulas a smooth, velvety feel, soft-focus finish, and better pigment or oil suspension. It is common in primers, foundations, sunscreens, and long-wear complexion products.
Is Polysilicone-11 clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is usually flagged because it is a synthetic silicone polymer with persistence concerns, not because it is a common skin sensitizer. It is generally well tolerated on skin, but it conflicts with many silicone-free and restricted-polymer standards.
Is Polysilicone-11 sustainable?
This material is made from mineral and fossil-derived inputs through energy-intensive processing, and it is not readily biodegradable. Its environmental profile is the main concern, since crosslinked silicone polymers can persist after rinse-off or disposal.
Is Polysilicone-11 COSMOS-approved?
It is not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards. Its Green Chemistry fit is weak because it relies on non-renewable feedstocks, has limited biodegradability, and is designed for long-lasting film and texture performance rather than easy environmental breakdown.
How does Polysilicone-11 work chemically?
The molecule is a three-dimensional crosslinked siloxane elastomer, typically supplied as a swollen gel or dispersion in a carrier and used at about 1–10% active, depending on the texture target. It is chemically inert across normal cosmetic pH ranges, oil-compatible, water-insoluble, heat-stable, and useful for reducing tack while improving slip, blur, and suspension.
Last updated 2026-05-13