What it is
This is an alkyl-modified dimethicone in which a silicone backbone carries long C20-24 hydrocarbon side chains, giving it a soft, wax-like character at room temperature. The combination provides a smooth, silky silicone slip together with the body and film-forming ability of a long-chain wax. It is used to improve skin feel, help structure emulsions, and form a uniform, smooth film that supports even application of UV filters and pigments.
Safety & warnings
Alkyl-modified silicones are generally well tolerated, non-sensitizing, and not commonly associated with comedogenicity. They are widely used to refine texture in leave-on products.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; an organosilicone polymer chemically modified with long-chain alkyl groups.
Questions everyone asks
How does it differ from regular dimethicone?
It carries long C20-24 alkyl side chains, which make it wax-like and give more body and film-forming structure than plain fluid dimethicone.
What does it do for a sunscreen?
It improves skin feel and helps form a smooth, even film that supports uniform spreading of the formula. It is not a UV filter.