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Ingredient · INCI reference

Vinyl Dimethicone

Vinyl dimethicone is a reactive silicone used as a building block for silicone elastomers and conditioning films.

What it is

This is a dimethicone (silicone) carrying vinyl groups, which let it crosslink into elastomer networks. On its own it conditions skin and improves slip; it is also a precursor used to build the silicone-gel powders that give sunscreens a smooth, soft-focus feel.

Safety & warnings

Silicones of this type are inert on skin and generally non-irritating and non-comedogenic.

Origin & sourcing

Synthetic silicone fluid.

Questions everyone asks

What is vinyl dimethicone?

It is a silicone used for slip and as a building block for silicone elastomer powders.

Is it greasy?

No, silicones give a light, smooth feel rather than a greasy one.

Sources & references

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