Silicone Lubricant Formulation and CysWhite Ingredient Inquiry

Question

The user is seeking guidance on formulating a silicone-based lubricant with properties like slipperiness, slow drying, and waterproofness (requiring soap to wash off). They specifically ask if water-dispersible silicones (like Silicone Hi-Cond, used up to 5%) or non-water-soluble silicone gels/Dimethicone bases (like Silicone Gel, potentially used at 100%) are suitable for this purpose. Additionally, the user asks about the mechanism by which CysWhite (Cysteamine HCL) provides whitening effects and whether it is necessary to use if they do not have melasma.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Silicone-Based Lubricant Formulation

Regarding your questions about formulating a silicone-based lubricant that is slippery, slow-drying, waterproof, and requires soap to wash off:

Water-Dispersible Silicones (e.g., Silicone Hi-Cond): Silicones like Silicone Hi-Cond (Aminopropyl Dimethicone) or PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone are designed to be water-dispersible or water-soluble. While they provide slip and conditioning, they are not suitable for creating a waterproof product that resists washing off with just water. They are typically used in rinse-off products like shampoos or conditioners. Therefore, this group of silicones would not meet your requirement for a waterproof lubricant that needs soap to be removed. The usage rate of around 5% mentioned is within the typical range for these types of silicones in applications like hair conditioning, but it doesn't change their water-dispersible nature.
Silicone Gels and Dimethicone Base (Non-Water-Soluble Silicones): This group, including various Dimethicone and Silicone Gel products (like Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky), Silicone Gel (Thick & Smooth), Silicone Gel (Medium Matte), Silicone Gel 9040, Dimethicone (Light/50), Dimethicone (Heavy/500k)), are non-water-soluble. They provide excellent slip, are slow-drying, and are waterproof, meaning they will require soap or a non-polar solvent to be washed off the skin. These types of silicones are suitable for the properties you desire in a lubricant.

Yes, many of these non-water-soluble silicones, particularly the Silicone Gels, can be used at high concentrations, even up to 100%, and applied directly to the skin to provide a smooth, slippery, and long-lasting feel.

CysWhite™ (Cysteamine HCL)

Regarding CysWhite (Cysteamine HCL), it is a potent skin whitening ingredient that has been recognized by medical professionals for its effectiveness. Its primary documented use is to help solve the problem of blemishes, such as melasma. Research indicates that a usage rate of 5% can be effective for this purpose.

While Cysteamine HCL is a powerful whitening agent that works by affecting melanin production, its main application based on available information is for significant hyperpigmentation like melasma. If you do not have melasma or similar blemishes, you may not need to use CysWhite. Other whitening ingredients might be more suitable depending on your specific skin concerns and formulation goals.