General Description
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone-based polymer widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry for its excellent conditioning, film-forming, and shine-enhancing properties. It is a clear, low-viscosity liquid that provides a luxurious, silky feel to formulations. The phenyl group in its structure enhances compatibility with organic oils and improves its spreadability and gloss. Unlike volatile silicones, Phenyl Trimethicone offers long-lasting smoothness and protection without leaving a greasy residue. It is particularly valued for improving the sensory texture of creams, serums, hair treatments, and color cosmetics.
Uses in the Cosmetics Industry
Phenyl Trimethicone is a multifunctional ingredient used in a wide range of personal care products, including:
- Hair Care Products: Enhances shine, smoothness, and manageability in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. It also helps reduce frizz and protects hair from thermal damage.
- Skin Care Formulations: Provides a velvety, non-greasy finish while improving the spreadability of creams and lotions. It forms a protective layer that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Color Cosmetics: Improves spreadability and adherence in foundations, BB creams, and lipsticks, imparting a smooth, luminous finish.
- Sun Care Products: Enhances the water resistance and spreadability of sunscreens, ensuring uniform coverage of UV filters.
- Serums & Anti-Aging Products: Adds a soft-focus effect to blur fine lines and improve overall skin appearance.
Manufacturers often use Phenyl Trimethicone in bulk for high-performance formulations where shine, protection, and luxurious texture are desired.
Hazards
Phenyl Trimethicone is considered safe for cosmetic use and is well-tolerated by most skin types. However, standard handling and formulation precautions should be observed:
- Skin Sensitivity: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing; rare cases of mild irritation may occur on very sensitive or damaged skin.
- Eye Contact: Direct contact may cause mild, temporary irritation; avoid eye exposure.
- Inhalation Risk: Not recommended for aerosolized applications without proper particle size control to prevent respiratory irritation.
- Environmental Impact: Being a silicone derivative, it is non-biodegradable and may persist in the environment; eco-conscious formulations may consider silicone alternatives.
Storage & Stability
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight and strong oxidizing agents. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent contamination.
- Stability: Highly stable under a broad range of temperatures and pH levels. Compatible with most cosmetic oils, waxes, and emulsifiers.
Phenyl Trimethicone is available in bulk and wholesale quantities for formulators seeking superior sensory enhancement, shine, and performance in both skincare and haircare products.
CAS Number: 70131-67-8
INCI: Phenyl Trimethicone
Composition:Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone-based polymer composed of phenyl-functionalized trimethylsiloxy siloxanes. It combines the smoothness and lubricity of silicones with enhanced compatibility and shine from phenyl substitution.
Purity Grade: Cosmetic Grade (typically ≥ 99%)
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Solubility:Insoluble in water; soluble in cosmetic oils, esters, and silicones
Preservation:Self-preserving; does not require additional preservatives in raw material form
Storage:Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Raw Material Sources:Synthetic — derived from siloxane and phenyl-containing intermediates
Manufacture:Produced through a controlled hydrolysis and condensation process of chlorosilanes with phenyl groups and trimethylsiloxy units, yielding a stable silicone oil with enhanced refractive index and emollient properties.
Animal Testing: Not animal tested
GMO: GMO-free (synthetic origin, contains no plant-based components)
Vegan: Contains no animal-derived ingredients
Proposition:Phenyl Trimethicone complies with EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and U.S. FDA cosmetic safety standards.
Warning:Avoid contact with eyes and skin in concentrated form. Handle with appropriate protective equipment. Store away from open flames and high temperatures. Intended for external use only in cosmetic formulations.
THE STORY OF PHENYL TRIMETHICONE
Phenyl Trimethicone: The Gloss-Boosting Silicone for Silky, Luxurious Finish
Phenyl Trimethicone is a phenyl-modified silicone oil known for its exceptional shine-enhancing, smoothing, and anti-frizz properties. Its unique structure offers improved compatibility with oils while delivering a silky, elegant finish that elevates skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics.
Engineered Through Advanced Silicone Modification Technology
Phenyl Trimethicone is produced through controlled modification of dimethicone with phenyl groups, enhancing refractive index and shine performance. This specialized silicone engineering results in a clear, stable, lightweight fluid with superior sensory attributes and excellent oxidative and heat resistance.
High Shine, Smooth Glide & Enhanced Sensory Performance
In cosmetic formulations, Phenyl Trimethicone acts as a shine enhancer, sensory modifier, and anti-frizz agent.
It improves spreadability, boosts gloss in haircare, enhances slip in skincare, and adds luxurious feel to color cosmetics. Its superior film-forming ability helps reduce stickiness and improves long-lasting smoothness.
Stable, Versatile & Highly Compatible Across Formulations
Used in hair serums, anti-frizz treatments, primers, foundations, sunscreens, creams, and gloss-enhancing products.
Recommended usage: typically 0.5–10%, depending on shine and slip requirement.
Stable to heat, oxidation, and UV exposure.
Phenyl Trimethicone is non-reactive, non-irritating, and globally approved for cosmetic use, making it a preferred silicone for delivering premium sensory performance.
Formulator’s Queries, We Answered
1. What is Phenyl Trimethicone?
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone-based fluid (a siloxane) modified with phenyl groups. It’s a clear, non-greasy liquid used as an emollient, occlusive, conditioning agent, and antifoaming additive in
2. What are the CAS Number and INCI Name of Phenyl Trimethicone?
CAS Number: 73559‑47‑4
INCI Name: Phenyl Trimethicone
3. What benefits does Phenyl Trimethicone offer in personal care products?
Silky, Lightweight Emollient: Gives skin and hair a soft, smooth feel without greasiness
High Gloss & Shine: Phenyl groups enhance refractive index, providing shine in hair, lip, and skin products
Occlusive Moisture Barrier: Forms a breathable film that locks in hydration while allowing gas exchange
Anti‑Foaming & Spreadability: Reduces foam and improves product texture and application
4. In which types of products is Phenyl Trimethicone commonly used?
Phenyl Trimethicone is versatile and appears in:
Skin Care & Color Cosmetics: Foundations, primers, creams, lotions, lip glosses, highlighters, and eye makeup to deliver shine, slip, and a smooth finish
Hair Care: Conditioners, shine serums, styling products, and heat-protection fluids for smooth character and gloss
Sun Care & Shaving Products: Enhances water resistance, spreadability, and skin feel
5. Is Phenyl Trimethicone safe for personal care use?
Yes. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has classified phenyl trimethicone as safe at typical cosmetic usage levels (up to approx. 36%) based on a range of toxicological and human patch-testing studies
6. Can Phenyl Trimethicone cause skin irritation or clog pores?
It is non-comedogenic and generally non‑irritating—even on sensitive or acne-prone skin . Still, it’s always best practice to conduct a patch test, especially for sensitive skin.
7. How does Phenyl Trimethicone compare to other silicones?
It delivers a drier, non‑sticky finish and higher gloss than dimethicone, with excellent spread and anti‑tack properties. It also offers better heat and oxidation resistance.
8. Are there any environmental or handling concerns?
Phenyl Trimethicone is stable, resistant to heat/oxidation, and generally safe in formulations. It’s not water-soluble and should be handled according to standard manufacturing and safety guidelines.
9. Typical usage levels for Phenyl Trimethicone?
Formulators typically use it at 0.5–10% in products—5–7% is common in hair oils and gloss-enhancing
10. Are there alternatives to Phenyl Trimethicone?
Yes, depending on formulation goals:
Other Silicones: Dimethicone, cyclomethicone (for smoother feel but less gloss).
Natural Oils: Jojoba, almond, or argan oil (softer feel, less shine).