Polysilicone-11

Good

Silicone

No known benefits

Polysilicone-11 at a glance

  • Synthetic silicone that serves as a thickener and film-forming agent
  • Sets to a powdery-soft, non-greasy finish
  • Almost always used with other silicones, typically dimethicone
  • Considered safe as used in cosmetics

Polysilicone-11 description

Polysilicone-11 is a synthetic silicone made by crosslinking bis-vinyldimethicone and hydrogen dimethicone. Its primary role in cosmetics is as a thickener and film-forming agent. It’s almost always used with other silicones to create elevated, silky, powdery-soft textures and finishes. Polysilicone-11 is considered a silicone elastomer, a special kind of polymer whose film-forming properties have a flexible, mesh-like effect. In other words, contrary to myth, this silicone doesn’t suffocate skin or clog pores. A wide range of usage levels are in play in various rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics: it may be used in concentrations as low as 0.04% to upwards of 19.9%, although a safety assessment showed even higher amounts were non-irritating.

Polysilicone-11 references

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, January 2021, pages 1-9
  • Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, April 2002, Volume 99, Issues 1-2, pages 3-12

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.