Recommended Silicones for Creamy Leave-in Hair Conditioner Formulation
Question
Which silicone products available on MySkinRecipes are suitable for formulating a creamy leave-in conditioner for hair?
Please recommend silicones focusing on types that provide:
- Excellent conditioning and smoothness.
- Compatibility with emulsion systems.
For each recommended product, please include:
- The specific product name (e.g., Silicone Hi-Cond, SiliWater™).
- The INCI name.
- Recommended usage rates.
- Any relevant product links or IDs from the site.
Answer
For formulating a creamy leave-in conditioner, you should focus on silicones that are either self-emulsifying (water-dispersible) or high-viscosity gums that provide excellent film-forming and conditioning properties.
Here are the recommended silicone products available on MySkinRecipes, suitable for a creamy leave-in emulsion:
1. Primary Conditioning Silicone (Water-Dispersible)
These types are easy to incorporate into the water phase of your emulsion and provide excellent slip, detangling, and shine without heavy build-up.
| Product Name | INCI Name | Usage Rate | Key Benefits for Leave-in | Product ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone Hi-Cond | Aminopropyl Dimethicone (and) Laureth-4 (and) Laureth-23 | 1.5 - 3% (for conditioner) | Provides maximum coating, excellent softness, smoothness, and detangling. Self-emulsifying, mixes directly into the water phase. | 997 |
| SiliWater™ | (Proprietary blend, restructured silicone) | Not specified (typically 1-5%) | Premium option. Restructured to be directly soluble/dispersible in water, providing the "best texture" and conditioning without build-up. | 525 |
| Silicone Quick-Cond | PEG-12 Dimethicone | Not specified (typically 1-3%) | A clear, water-soluble silicone that provides softness and smoothness. Suitable for formulas where clarity is desired, though a creamy conditioner is opaque. | 1019 |
Recommendation: Silicone Hi-Cond (ID 997) is highly recommended as it is specifically designed for conditioners, offers maximum coating, and is easily incorporated into the water phase of your creamy emulsion.
2. Secondary Conditioning Silicone (High-Adhesion/Film-Forming)
This type is used to enhance the conditioning effect, providing a more substantive, long-lasting smoothness and protection.
| Product Name | INCI Name | Usage Rate | Key Benefits for Leave-in | Product ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimethiconol (Cyclopentasiloxane Base) | Dimethiconol (and) Cyclopentasiloxane | Not specified (typically 0.5 - 2%) | Dimethiconol is a high-viscosity silicone gum with high adhesion, providing intense conditioning, smoothness, and film-forming. The Cyclopentasiloxane base is volatile, evaporating after application to leave a non-greasy film of Dimethiconol on the hair. | 1368 |
Recommendation: Use Dimethiconol (Cyclopentasiloxane Base) (ID 1368) in the oil phase of your emulsion. It will boost the conditioning and provide a luxurious, silky feel.
Formulation Tip
For a creamy leave-in conditioner, you can use a combination of these:
- Water-Dispersible Silicone (e.g., Silicone Hi-Cond): Add to the water phase before emulsification.
- Oil-Soluble Silicone (e.g., Dimethiconol in Cyclopentasiloxane): Add to the oil phase before emulsification.
This combination ensures both easy incorporation and superior, long-lasting conditioning performance.
Related Products Mentioned
SiliWater™ (silicone dissolved in water)
Silicone Hi-Cond
Silicone Quick-Cond (PEG-12 Dimethicone)
