Emollient

Vinyl Dimethicone

Reactive silicone with vinyl end groups is a building block for silicone elastomers and mesh silicone structures. By itself, it provides a smooth, slippery feel; in crosslinked form (with dimethicone crosspolymer), it delivers a blur effect and a silky finish in primers.

Reactive siliconeVinyl siliconeElastomer baseblur precursor

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Vinyl Dimethicone is PDMS (polymethylsiloxane) with two vinyl (-CH=CH₂) end groups. Molecular weight: 500–50,000 Da (depending on chain length). A clear, colorless liquid or gel. Reactive vinyl groups: interact with SiH groups in platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation reactions → formation of elastomeric crosslinked structures. In cosmetics, it is most commonly found in silicone elastomer gels (Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer in carrier silicone). Alone: provides a smooth, slippery feel on the skin similar to dimethicone.

Component of silicone elastomer gels in primers and foundations, smooth serums and smoothing boosters, makeup-setting bases, luxury skin-feel products.

Key Benefits

✦

Base for elastomeric blur structures

Vinyl Dimethicone is a key reactive component for synthesizing Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer — the most effective blur elastomer in cosmetics. The reaction between vinyl dimethicone and methyl hydrogen silicone (SiH) in the presence of a platinum catalyst → crosslinked three-dimensional structure. The INCI name of the final product indicates both components: "Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer," and vinyl dimethicone is part of this name in finished products.

◈

Smooth slippery feel alone

Un-crosslinked vinyl dimethicone provides the skin surface with characteristic silicone slip and smoothness — similar to regular dimethicone, but with a slightly different feel due to the vinyl end groups. Low molecular weight forms (MW ~500–5000): lightweight, slippery, quickly absorbed. High molecular weight: more viscous, providing a "cushion" and protective feel.

✧

Thermal stability and chemical inertness

Vinyl Dimethicone is thermally stable over a wide temperature range (-50°C to +200°C), chemically inert, does not react with most cosmetic components. It does not oxidize, does not degrade during storage. Stable in the presence of acids, bases, and electrolytes at appropriate concentrations. These properties make it a reliable component in long-lasting formulations.

Suitable for

Primers and makeupSilky serumsBlur formulas

Main Actions

✓ Base for silicone elastomers✓ Slippery silicone feel✓ Structural component of blur

Vinyl Dimethicone in INCI — how to read the composition

"Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer" is a ready-made elastomer, both components are in the name. Separately, "Vinyl Dimethicone" is an un-crosslinked reactive silicone. In practice: in most products, vinyl dimethicone is found in the crosspolymer name rather than as a standalone ingredient. If you see "Vinyl Dimethicone" without "Crosspolymer" — it is the un-crosslinked form as an emollient/texturizing agent.

CategoryEmollients

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