Low-HLB silicone polyether emulsifier/dispersant for W/Si and W/O systems; improves water loading, pigment/UV dispersion, and slip in primers, foundations, and sunscreens.
Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl Dimethicone is a low-HLB organo-functional silicone polyether (siloxane backbone carrying PEG and lauryl functionality) designed primarily for water-in-silicone (W/Si) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.
Formulation-relevant structure: a strongly lipophilic dimethicone segment anchors into silicone/organic oil phases, while the PEG-10 segment provides limited hydrophilicity to stabilize water droplets dispersed in the continuous oil/silicone phase. Industrially, this class of silicone polyethers is commonly produced via hydrosilylation of Si–H functional siloxanes with allyl alkoxylates to introduce polyether side chains.
Typical references list CAS 1365118-01-9. Typical properties reported for common commercial grades include calculated HLB ~3 (very lipophilic), viscosity around ~1,800 cSt (25°C), refractive index ~1.43, and low odor. Values vary by grade and supplier.
Product Description: This ingredient functions as an emulsifier/interfacial modifier for silicone-rich systems and as a dispersant for pigments and fine particles. In supplier comparative testing under fixed phase compositions, this type of emulsifier is reported to incorporate more water before reaching saturation than some benchmark silicone emulsifiers (i.e., higher water-loading capability in W/Si or W/O architectures), while maintaining relatively low viscosity and good high-temperature aging stability when processed appropriately. As a dispersant for UV filters/pigments (e.g., TiO2), it is positioned to reduce dispersion viscosity versus some alternative silicone emulsifiers, which can improve processing, payoff, and film uniformity in color and sun care systems.
Usage: Primary emulsifier for W/Si and W/O emulsions; pigment and fine-particle dispersant for color cosmetics and sunscreens; sensory modifier to reduce tack and improve slip in primers, foundations, skincare, sun care, hair care, and AP/deo formats.
Mixing method:
- Treat as an oil-phase emulsifier: pre-disperse fully into the silicone/oil phase (and use it to wet pigments/UV filters if present) before any water addition.
- Add the water phase slowly into the oil/silicone phase under controlled shear; apply high shear near the end to refine droplet size and improve stability.
- If the emulsion is stable but too thin: build structure with dedicated oil-phase structuring (silicone elastomer gels, organoclays + activators, waxes for W/Si-wax hybrids, or suitable film formers), rather than only increasing emulsifier.
- Compatibility reality check: run quick preblend clarity checks at relevant ratios (commonly emulsifier:oil ~1:4 as a screen). If haze/opacity appears, adjust oil polarity balance, order of addition, or consider a co-emulsifier/dispersant and validate by heat aging and freeze-thaw.
Usage rate: 0.5–5%
Typical starting point for higher-water W/Si systems is ~1.5–2% in the continuous phase, then adjust based on water load, oil polarity, droplet size, and stability testing. Higher total levels may be used when it also serves as the primary dispersant in a pigment/UV grind.
Product characteristics: Light brown to pale yellow viscous liquid; typically low odor. Typical viscosity ~1,800 cSt (25°C) and refractive index ~1.43 (grade-dependent).
Solubility: Miscible with many silicone fluids and compatible with many cosmetic oils/esters. Not directly water-soluble; incorporate water by emulsification (W/Si or W/O). Preblend compatibility can vary with specific oils/UV filters, so quick clarity screening is recommended before committing to full-scale stability work.
