Polysilicone-15
UV filter
Polysilicone-15 at a glance
- Also known as Parsol SLX and dimethicodiethylbenzalmalonate
- Absorbs the sun’s UVB rays
- Not approved yet for sunscreen use in the U.S.
- Authorized in the EU for use in amounts up to 10%
- Colorless-to-pale yellow viscous liquid
Polysilicone-15 description
Polysilicone-15, also known as Parsol SLX and dimethicodiethylbenzalmalonate, is a silicone-based UV filter approved for use in the United Kingdom and European Union. Specifically, it absorbs the sun’s UVB rays. Polysilicone-15 has not been approved for use as a sunscreen yet by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which considers sunscreens over-the-counter drugs (in the European Union and UK markets, they are considered cosmetics). In its raw form, polysilicone-15 is a colorless-to-pale yellow viscous liquid. In the EU it is authorized for use in amounts up to 10% in a formula, though typical concentrations in sunscreens only go up to 5%. Since this filter is not broad spectrum, it should always be combined with other filters capable of providing UVA protection.