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TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE

Last update on Mar 27, 2026

Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a very important ingredient in the cosmetic industry. It is responsible for visibly improving the texture of the skin by forming a silky, smooth film. Trimethylsiloxysilicate can be found in products like sunscreens, foundations and color cosmetics. This ingredient holds the pigment colors in place, protecting it from water and aiding it to last for a long time. The chemical formula of Trimethylsiloxysilicate is C6H18O5Si3.

CAS Number: 56275-01-5Chem/IUPAC Name: Silica, reaction products with trimethylsilaneEINECS/ELINCS No: 923-739-9COSING REF No: 80398

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What is TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE used for?

Trimethylsiloxysilicate is quite a useful ingredient and is found in skincare, cosmetics as well as hair care and coloring products.

  • Skin care: It helps makeup and protective creams sunscreens to last longer. It also conditions the skin and forms a hydrating layer that prevents the makeup from drying out. It forms a film on the skin, leaving a smooth, silky look and feel.
  • Hair care: It resists water and is therefore beneficial for providing humidity resistance to the hair. It also conditions and gives volume to the shafts.

Origin

Trimethylsiloxysilicate is not natural, but is a polymer that is silicone based. It is highly cross linked and is made in the labs. It appears as dusty, translucent flakes and falls under the category of silicone resins.

What does TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE do in a formulation?

COSMETIC COLORANT|
FILM FORMING|
HAIR CONDITIONING|
HAIR DYEING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
SKIN PROTECTING|
SMOOTHING

Safety Profile

Trimethylsiloxysilicate is safe for skin and hair when used in lower concentrations. Since it is a silicone, precautions should be taken to not ingest it - otherwise, it can be toxic. A patch test is recommended prior to full application, especially for highly sensitive skin. Further, Trimethylsiloxysilicate is comedogenic and can cause acne. It is vegan and halal.

TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE alternatives

TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE technical profile

PropertyValues
pHNeutral
SolubilityInsoluble in water
ViscosityHigh