Comparison of Silicone and LipidSoft for Lightweight Formulas

Here's a comparison of Silicone and LipidSoft ingredients based on your criteria for lightweight, fast-drying lotion, cream, and spray formulations:

• Gentleness: Both Silicone and LipidSoft ingredients are generally not irritating to the skin.
• Fast Drying: The drying speed depends on the specific type of Silicone or LipidSoft. Some types in both groups are designed to be fast-drying or volatile.
• Non-comedogenic / Does not cause acne: Most Silicone and LipidSoft ingredients sold are not intended to clog pores. However, individual skin types and formula characteristics can influence whether a product causes clogging. Some LipidSoft types like LipidSoft CC, LipidSoft Dry II, LipidSoft Lite, LipidSoft Moist, and LipidSoft B are specifically noted as non-comedogenic or suitable for acne-prone skin.
• Moisture Retention: This also varies by type. Heavier types of both Silicone and LipidSoft will provide more moisture retention by forming a film on the skin. Lighter, more volatile types offer less moisture retention.
• Smooth Feel: Silicones are well-known for providing a smooth, slippery feel. Many LipidSoft types are also designed to impart softness and smoothness to formulations, with variations in the specific feel (e.g., dry smooth, rich smooth).

Recommended Fast-Drying LipidSoft Ingredients

For fast-drying LipidSoft options, consider these:

• LipidSoft Cyclo: Developed as a replacement for Cyclomethicone, it provides a smooth feel and evaporates faster than Cyclomethicone, contributing to a very light feel.
• LipidSoft D5: Another D-5 replacement, known for good volatility, providing a dry, light, and luxurious feel with excellent spreadability.
• LipidSoft Dry II: An emollient focused on being lightweight and providing a dry feel to reduce stickiness and add smoothness.

Regarding specific evaporation times, precise times like those for some silicones are generally not provided for LipidSoft ingredients. Dimethicone 1Secs is noted to evaporate within 1-10 seconds in single substance tests, but this can differ in a full formulation. LipidSoft Cyclo is stated to evaporate faster than Cyclomethicone.

Drying Speed Ranking

Based on available information regarding volatility (from slowest to fastest):

1. Cyclomethicone
2. Trisiloxane
3. Dimethicone 1Secs
4. Hexamethyldisiloxane

Among the recommended fast-drying LipidSofts, LipidSoft Cyclo is stated to evaporate faster than Cyclomethicone. LipidSoft D5 is also noted for good volatility, similar to or faster than Cyclomethicone. LipidSoft Dry II is designed for a dry feel but specific volatility relative to silicones isn't provided. Therefore, a precise combined ranking including all specific LipidSofts is not possible with the given data, but generally, volatile silicones like Hexamethyldisiloxane and Dimethicone 1Secs are among the fastest evaporating ingredients used for this purpose.

Smooth Feel Ranking

Ranking ingredients by smooth feel is subjective and depends on the specific formulation and concentration used. However, based on product descriptions:

• Silicones like Dimethicone 1Secs are known for providing a noticeable slip or smooth feel.
• Many LipidSofts are also designed for smoothness. LipidSoft Cyclo and LipidSoft D5 are noted for excellent spreadability and smooth feel. LipidSoft Dry II, Spread, and Matte are described as providing softness and smoothness with a dry or non-shiny finish.

The best way to determine the preferred smooth feel is through testing in your specific formulation.