Emollient

Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Crosslinked silicone elastomer is a unique "silicone gel" structure that gives products exceptional silkiness and a mattifying effect. It is the most popular component in primers and products with a "blur effect" to minimize the visibility of pores.

silicone elastomerblur effectmattifyingsilky texture

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a polymethylsiloxane (PDMS) with three-dimensional chemical bonds between chains (crosslinks). It is neither a liquid nor a solid — it is a flexible gel. It swells in silicone solvents (cyclomethicone, dimethicone) or emollient oils. Molecular weight: very high (polymer). Forms: DC-elastomer gel (in silicone carrier), powder (dry), emulsifying (for O/W emulsions). 'Soft focus / blur' effect: elastomer particles scatter light → skin irregularities and pores appear less noticeable. It is insoluble, non-absorbed, and stable.

Primers and pore-blurring products, foundation and BB/CC creams with a blur effect, mattifying serums and moisturizers, setting powder with a silky texture.

Key Benefits

✦

Blur effect — optical minimization of pores and irregularities

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is one of the most effective optical blurring agents in cosmetics. Microscopic elastomer particles scatter incoming light (soft-focus scattering), reducing the visibility of pores, wrinkles, and skin irregularities. The effect is noticeable immediately after application — hence, DC-elastomer is a key component in primers, blurring products, and products with 'instantly smooth' positioning.

◈

Exceptional silkiness — a unique tactile sensation

The sensation from elastomer gels is unique: upon application — a bouncy, rubbery glide; after rubbing — a dry silky finish without greasiness. No other category of ingredients provides such a combination. This explains why DC-elastomer has become the standard in premium primers and luxury foundations — consumers describe the feeling as 'velvet' or 'second skin.'

✧

Mattifying effect and shine control

The crosslinked structure of the elastomer absorbs excess sebum and oil on the skin's surface — natural mattifying without the chalkiness typical of regular mineral mattifying powders. Suitable for oily and combination skin: long-lasting matte finish for 4–6 hours. In combination with silica or nylon powder: synergy of the mattifying effect.

Suitable for

oily and combination skinmakeup productsprimers

Main Actions

✓ optical smoothing (blur effect)✓ silky elastomer texture✓ skin mattifying

DC Elastomer — forms and selection

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer: crosslinked dimethicone + vinyl dimethicone — the most common form. Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3: less crosslinked, softer gel. Emulsifying versions (e.g., DC 9045): self-emulsifying variant for aqueous formulations. In the INCI composition, it may be labeled differently depending on the specific type and manufacturer (Shin-Etsu, Dow). Functionally similar — the choice depends on the formula carrier.

CategoryEmollients

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