✦ Delivers an instantly silky, powdery, non-greasy skin feel upon application
✦ Functions as a sensory enhancer, slip agent, and lightweight film former in cosmetic formulations
✦ Creates a smooth, matte canvas ideal for primers, foundations, and sunscreens
✦ Improves spreadability and blendability of emulsions, serums, and colour cosmetics
✦ Helps suspend and evenly disperse pigments, UV filters, and active particles
✦ Volatile carrier phase evaporates cleanly, leaving only a soft elastomer film on skin
✦ Synthetic silicone-based ingredient suitable for a wide range of cosmetic pH and temperature conditions

Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone elastomer gel consisting of a crosslinked dimethicone network swollen in volatile cyclopentasiloxane. Originally developed for high-performance personal care applications, this blend became a foundational ingredient in the primer and sun care revolution of the early 2000s. It is manufactured by crosslinking dimethicone chains into an elastic three-dimensional network, then dispersing that network in the lightweight, fast-evaporating cyclopentasiloxane carrier.

What makes this blend unique is its dual-phase behaviour. Upon application, the volatile cyclopentasiloxane evaporates within minutes, depositing only the soft, flexible crosspolymer film on the skin surface. This mechanism gives formulations a transformative sensory profile — heavy creams feel weightless, pigmented products glide effortlessly, and oily sunscreen bases dry down to a powdery matte finish without any tacky residue.

Bio Shop Pakistan supplies cosmetic-grade Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone Crosspolymer suitable for DIY skincare formulators, makeup developers, sun care chemists, and professional cosmetic manufacturers.

INCI Name : Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Chemical Name : Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
CAS Number : 541-02-6 (Cyclopentasiloxane) / 68083-19-2 (Dimethicone Crosspolymer)
Molecular Formula : Mixture — not expressed as single formula
Appearance : Clear to slightly hazy, soft elastic gel
Odor : Virtually odorless
pH (1% solution) : Not Applicable — non-aqueous silicone system
Solubility : Soluble in silicone fluids and light hydrocarbons; insoluble in water and ethanol
Specific Gravity : 0.95 – 0.98 at 25°C (typical for commercial grades)
Flash Point : Approximately 77°C (closed cup — contributed by cyclopentasiloxane carrier)
HLB Value : Not Applicable
Recommended Use Level : 3% – 30% depending on application
Type : Silicone Elastomer Gel (Sensory Modifier / Carrier Base)
Shelf Life : 24 months when stored sealed, away from heat and moisture

Skincare (Primers, Serums, Moisturizers) ★★★★★
This is the flagship application for silicone elastomer gels. It transforms heavy creams into lightweight, silky formulations. Use at 5% to 20% as a sensory base in primers and day creams for an instant blurring, matte finish.

Colour Cosmetics (Foundations, BB Creams, Concealers) ★★★★★
Exceptional for pigment dispersion and smooth payoff in liquid and cream colour cosmetics. Pre-disperse pigments into the elastomer gel at 10% to 25% before adding to the main emulsion for even colour distribution.

Sun Care (Sunscreens, UV Fluids) ★★★★★
One of the most effective carriers for organic and inorganic UV filters, reducing white cast and greasiness. Incorporate UV filters into the gel phase at 15% to 30% to achieve elegant, dry-touch sunscreen textures.

Body Care (Body Lotions, After-Sun, Smoothing Balms) ★★★★☆
Adds a velvety dry-down to body lotions and post-shower products without heavy silicone buildup. Use at 3% to 10% to upgrade sensory feel without altering emulsion stability.

Haircare (Serums, Heat Protectants, Shine Sprays) ★★★☆☆
Provides lightweight conditioning and frizz control without weighing hair down. Best suited for leave-in serums and heat protectant sprays at 5% to 15% rather than rinse-off shampoos or conditioners.

In my experience formulating primers and sunscreens, Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone Crosspolymer is the single ingredient that most dramatically upgrades sensory quality. I treat it not as an additive but as a formulation base — building my oil phase around it rather than simply dropping it in at the end. When you design the formula with the elastomer gel as the primary vehicle, you achieve that professional, department-store skin feel that is nearly impossible to replicate with conventional emollients alone.

ADVANCED TIP: For a high-performance mattifying primer, blend 60% Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone Crosspolymer with 5% silica microspheres and 2% dimethicone at room temperature until homogeneous. Then slowly incorporate 3% to 5% niacinamide pre-dispersed in a minimal water phase using a high-shear mixer. This yields a water-in-silicone serum-primer hybrid with blur effect, oil control, and active delivery in a single elegant product.

Normal Skin : ★★★★★ — Enhances any formulation with a lightweight, comfortable, non-greasy finish
Dry Skin : ★★★★☆ — Improves texture and spreadability but does not actively hydrate; pair with humectants
Oily Skin : ★★★★★ — Delivers a mattifying, oil-absorbing dry-down that controls shine for hours
Combination : ★★★★★ — Balances feel across oily and dry zones without adding heaviness
Sensitive Skin : ★★★★☆ — Chemically inert and non-irritating; the volatile carrier may occasionally cause transient warmth on reactive skin
Mature Skin : ★★★★☆ — Creates a smooth, blurring film that visually minimizes fine lines and texture
Acne-Prone : ★★★★☆ — Non-comedogenic rating is favourable; dimethicone crosspolymer does not penetrate pores, but heavy use in occlusive formulas should be patch tested

CONCEPT 1: Velvet Blur Makeup Primer
Usage Level : 55%
Key Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane & Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica Microspheres, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate
Result : A clear, weightless primer that fills pores, controls oil, and creates a flawless canvas for foundation application.

CONCEPT 2: Dry-Touch Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Usage Level : 25%
Key Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane & Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Isododecane
Result : A non-whitening, matte-finish mineral sunscreen with elegant spreadability and zero greasy residue.

CONCEPT 3: Lightweight Anti-Aging Night Serum
Usage Level : 15%
Key Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane & Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Retinol, Squalane, Bisabolol
Result : A silky, fast-absorbing night serum that delivers retinol smoothly without the heavy, sticky feel of conventional oil bases.

INCI Declared : Yes — both components must be listed on the product label
EU Cosmetics Reg : Permitted — Cyclopentasiloxane restricted under Annex II/III for rinse-off and leave-on applications due to environmental concerns (D5 regulation)
Rinse-Off Limit : Cyclopentasiloxane restricted to less than 0.1% in wash-off products in EU (Regulation 2018/35)
Leave-On Limit : Currently permitted in leave-on products in EU; ongoing regulatory review for D5 environmental classification
Allergen Alert : No — not a recognized skin allergen
Skin Safety : Safe at recommended levels; non-irritating and non-sensitizing in standard patch testing
Eye Area Use : Use with caution — volatile silicone evaporation may cause mild discomfort near eyes in sensitive individuals
Ingestion : Not for internal use
Pregnancy Use : Safe — no systemic absorption concerns at cosmetic use levels
Child Safety : Safe above 3 years at standard cosmetic concentrations
Ventilation : Recommended — cyclopentasiloxane is volatile and should be used in ventilated areas during manufacturing
Storage : Cool dry place, sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources above 40°C
Container : HDPE or glass recommended; avoid prolonged contact with natural rubber seals

⚠️ Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) faces increasing environmental regulation in the EU due to its persistence in aquatic environments. Formulators selling into EU markets should monitor Annex updates and consider D5-free alternatives for wash-off products. Always verify current regional regulations before commercializing.

Working pH Range : Not pH-dependent — silicone phase operates independently of aqueous pH
Heat Stability : Stable up to 150°C; however, prolonged heating above 100°C accelerates cyclopentasiloxane evaporation — process quickly
Freeze-Thaw Stable : Yes — gel structure recovers after freeze-thaw cycling
Emulsion Type : W/Si (water-in-silicone) or can be incorporated into O/W and W/O systems as a secondary phase
Emulsification Phase: Can be added at room temperature or warm phase; avoid excessive shear which may break crosspolymer network
Compatible With : Volatile and non-volatile silicones, organic UV filters, mineral pigments, light esters, non-polar emollients
Incompatible With : Strong polar solvents (ethanol above 20%, propylene glycol at high levels), highly alkaline systems may destabilize the crosspolymer network
Oxidation Risk : Low — silicones are chemically inert and resistant to oxidation
Discoloration Risk : None under normal conditions; possible slight yellowing if stored at elevated temperatures for extended periods
Formulation Notes : Add the elastomer gel as a pre-formed phase rather than trying to form the gel in situ. When combining with aqueous ingredients, use a silicone-compatible emulsifier such as PEG-10 Dimethicone or Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone to achieve stable water-in-silicone emulsions.

Q: What exactly is Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone Crosspolymer?
A: It is a pre-made silicone elastomer gel where a crosslinked dimethicone network is suspended in volatile cyclopentasiloxane fluid. The gel gives formulations a silky, bouncy texture, and the volatile carrier evaporates after application, leaving a soft, powdery film on the skin.

Q: Can I use this in water-based formulations?
A: Yes, but you need a silicone-compatible emulsifier to blend it into aqueous systems. Use emulsifiers like PEG-10 Dimethicone or Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone at 2% to 4% to create stable water-in-silicone emulsions.

Q: Does this ingredient clog pores or cause breakouts?
A: Dimethicone Crosspolymer is generally rated as non-comedogenic because its large molecular structure sits on the skin surface rather than penetrating into pores. However, if combined with heavy occlusive oils in a formula, the overall product could still contribute to congestion in acne-prone individuals.

Q: Do I need to heat this ingredient before adding it to my formula?
A: No, this elastomer gel can be incorporated at room temperature. Simply weigh it out and blend with your silicone or oil phase using moderate mixing. Avoid excessive high-shear blending, as this can permanently break the elastic crosspolymer network and reduce the silky feel.

Q: How does this compare to Dimethicone 350 or standard silicone fluids?
A: Standard dimethicone fluids provide slip and conditioning but can feel heavy and leave a noticeable silicone coating. Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone Crosspolymer delivers a far more elegant, dry, powdery finish because the volatile carrier evaporates and the crosspolymer creates a flexible micro-film rather than a continuous fluid layer. It is the preferred choice when a matte, primer-like finish is desired.