What it is
This ingredient is a silicone elastomer made by crosslinking dimethicone with vinyl-functional silicone, producing a soft, swellable powder rather than a fluid. In formulas it controls viscosity and acts as a sensory additive, giving products a silky, powdery glide and a smooth application. Its porous elastomeric structure can absorb excess oil and sebum, helping to reduce shine and lend a matte, blurred finish that is useful in sunscreens, primers, and color cosmetics. Because the crosslinked network is large, it stays on the skin surface and is valued mainly for feel and texture.
Origin & sourcing
It is a fully synthetic silicone material produced by crosslinking (curing) linear dimethicone polymers with vinyl-bearing siloxanes to form a three-dimensional elastomeric network, then processing it into a fine powder.
Questions everyone asks
What does this silicone do in a sunscreen?
It is a silicone elastomer powder added for texture: it gives a silky, smooth glide, absorbs excess oil, and helps create a matte, blurred finish rather than providing sun protection.
Will it clog my pores?
Silicone elastomers like this sit on the skin surface and are generally considered non-comedogenic and well tolerated, but individual responses vary, so patch testing is reasonable for very reactive skin.
Is it the same as plain dimethicone?
No. Plain dimethicone is a fluid; this is a crosslinked version processed into an elastomeric powder, which is why it feels powdery and helps mattify rather than just adding slip.