Lightweight, fast-evaporating silicone fluid that improves slip, spreadability and dry, non-greasy feel in color cosmetics, skin-care, hair-care and sunscreens (typical use ~1–20%).
Ethyl Trisiloxane is a lightweight, very volatile silicone fluid used to give ultra-smooth slip, quick-drying feel and a non-greasy, weightless finish in color cosmetics, skin-care, hair-care and sun-care formulations.
Because of its low viscosity and high volatility it spreads very quickly, helps pigments and fillers wet out and level, then evaporates after application so the finished product feels dry, less sticky and less oily than formulas built only on heavy oils or non-volatile silicones.
Regulatory assessments, including an Australian AICIS human health review at use levels up to about 20% in cosmetic products, describe ethyl trisiloxane as low-toxicity, non-sensitizing and generally well tolerated when used at typical cosmetic concentrations, with only a small fraction expected to penetrate the skin before it evaporates.
Product Description: Volatile, low-viscosity silicone fluid (INCI: Ethyl Trisiloxane; CAS 17861-60-8) supplied as a clear, low-odor liquid. Provides fast spreading, silky slip and improved payoff in a wide range of leave-on and rinse-off formulas. Used mainly as a sensory and coverage aid rather than as an occlusive emollient, so it helps reduce greasiness and tack while maintaining good spreadability.
Usage: Suitable for liquid and stick foundations, BB/CC creams, primers, concealers, facial moisturizers, sunscreens, lipsticks and lip glosses, eyeliners, eyeshadows, mascaras, hair styling products, serums and sprays where a light, dry, elegant feel is desired.
Mixing method:
- Use as part of the oil/silicone phase in emulsions or anhydrous systems (sticks, balms, poured color cosmetics, hair styling oils).
- For emulsions and creams, premix with other silicones and oils, then emulsify with suitable silicone or oil-in-water emulsifiers. Typical processing up to 60°C; avoid unnecessary heating to limit evaporation.
- In volatile silicone or isododecane bases, combine with other volatile carriers to tune dry-down time and after-feel. Avoid adding directly into the water phase; for water-containing systems, introduce via a silicone or oil phase or pre-emulsion.
Usage rate: 1–20% in finished products depending on texture and sensorial target. Lower levels (~1–5%) improve slip and spreadability; higher levels (~10–20%) give very light, quick-dry, high-spread bases for color cosmetics and hair styling.
Product characteristics: Colorless to very pale liquid; very low viscosity; fast-evaporating volatile silicone; low odor.
Solubility: Insoluble in water; miscible with most silicone fluids and many cosmetic oils/esters; not soluble in purely aqueous phases without emulsifiers.
Preservative-free silicone fluid (non-aqueous).
