Question 1

What does SIMETHICONE. [+/- CI 77491 do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This material is used primarily as a defoamer and antifoaming agent, breaking surface bubbles during manufacturing or product use. It can also add slip and a light protective film in topical formulas.

Question 2

Is SIMETHICONE. [+/- CI 77491 clean?

Accepted Answer

It has low irritation and sensitization concern, so the clean-beauty friction is not mainly about skin tolerance. The issue is its synthetic silicone-polymer profile, which many clean standards flag because of persistence and limited biodegradability.

Question 3

Is SIMETHICONE. [+/- CI 77491 sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is synthetically made from mineral-derived silicon chemistry and energy-intensive processing rather than renewable feedstocks. It is not readily biodegradable, and environmental concerns center on persistence rather than acute skin effects.

Question 4

Is SIMETHICONE. [+/- CI 77491 COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

It is not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because synthetic silicone polymers fall outside the allowed ingredient framework. Its Green Chemistry fit is weak due to nonrenewable feedstocks, limited biodegradability, and persistent polymer behavior, even though it is typically used at low levels.

Question 5

How does SIMETHICONE. [+/- CI 77491 work chemically?

Accepted Answer

This compound is a hydrophobic organosilicon polymer system combined with finely divided inorganic particles, giving it very low surface tension and strong bubble-rupturing behavior. Typical cosmetic use for foam control is often about 0.1 to 2%, and it is broadly pH-stable, non-water-soluble, and dependent on good dispersion for even performance.