Applications for silicone polymers in skin care products

COLL 419

Michael S. Starch, m.starch@dowcorning.com, Life Sciences Business, Dow Corning Corporation, 2200 W. Salzburg Road, Mail stop C40B00, Midland, MI 48686
Silicone polymers have been used in skin care products since the 1950's. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was the first silicone that was used and this polymer is still widely used as an emollient in skin care products. The novel physical properties of PDMS set it apart from other emollients used in skin care and these properties help to explain the characteristic skin feel associated with silicones. Our work has shown that skin feel and other properties such as persistence on the skin are affected by the molecular weight of the PDMS that is used. These findings have led to the use of silicone gums and lightly crosslinked PDMS gels, which provide superior esthetic benefits. Low molecular weight PDMS, including cyclic oligomers, have found applications as cosmetic solvents. The most common types of silicones used in skin care products and the structural features that affect their performance will be reviewed.