Ingredient review
Behenyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
INCI: BEHENYL DIMETHICONE/BIS-VINYLDIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER
A gentle silicone polymer that creates a smooth, velvety feel on skin and helps products spread evenly without clogging pores.
In plain English
This is a type of silicone that forms a thin, breathable film on your skin. It helps creams and lotions glide on smoothly, reduces greasiness, and can make makeup last longer. Think of it as a lightweight, invisible shield that feels silky, not sticky.
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Behenyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Behenyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic silicone polymer made by crosslinking behenyl dimethicone with bis-vinyldimethicone. It is a solid, powder-like ingredient that swells in oils or silicones to create a gel-like texture.
How it works
When mixed into a formula, it absorbs oils and swells into a soft, flexible gel. This gel spreads easily, fills in fine lines and pores temporarily, and leaves a smooth, matte finish. It also helps other ingredients stay on the skin longer by forming a water-resistant layer.
Pros
Silky, non-greasy finish
Leaves skin feeling smooth and velvety without the heavy, sticky feel of some oils or waxes.
Improves product longevity
Forms a flexible film that helps sunscreen and makeup stay put longer, even in humidity.
Cons and cautions
May feel heavy for oily skin
In high concentrations, it can add a slight weight that some with very oily skin find unnecessary.
Not biodegradable
As a silicone-based polymer, it does not break down easily in the environment, though it is used in small amounts.
Best for
- Anyone who wants a smooth, primer-like finish from their moisturizer or sunscreen
- People with normal to dry skin who enjoy a velvety, non-sticky texture
Use caution if
- Those who prefer completely silicone-free routines or have very oily skin that may feel weighed down by multiple silicone layers
Usage tips
Safety summary
Behenyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer is considered safe for cosmetic use. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in routine use.
Research notes
Research on this specific crosspolymer is limited, but it is a well-established silicone derivative. Safety assessments by cosmetic ingredient review panels have found similar silicone polymers to be safe at typical use concentrations.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the U.S. FDA and EU CosIng database, with no known restrictions.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Primers, Color Cosmetics, Hair Conditioners
- Environmental note
- Silicone polymers like this are not readily biodegradable, but they are used in very small amounts and are not known to accumulate in living organisms.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the end of ingredient lists because it is used in low concentrations.
- It is considered non-comedogenic and safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Common questions
What is Behenyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer in beauty products?
This is a type of silicone that forms a thin, breathable film on your skin. It helps creams and lotions glide on smoothly, reduces greasiness, and can make makeup last longer. Think of it as a lightweight, invisible shield that feels silky, not sticky.
What does Behenyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?
When mixed into a formula, it absorbs oils and swells into a soft, flexible gel. This gel spreads easily, fills in fine lines and pores temporarily, and leaves a smooth, matte finish. It also helps other ingredients stay on the skin longer by forming a water-resistant layer.
Is Behenyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer safe for most people?
Behenyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer is considered safe for cosmetic use. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in routine use.
Who should be careful with Behenyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer?
Those who prefer completely silicone-free routines or have very oily skin that may feel weighed down by multiple silicone layers
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.