Ingredient review
Cetyl Hexacosyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
INCI: CETYL HEXACOSYL DIMETHICONE/BIS-VINYLDIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER
A silicone polymer that creates a smooth, silky feel on skin and helps products spread evenly without clogging pores.
In plain English
This is a type of silicone that forms a flexible, breathable film on your skin. It makes creams and lotions feel silky and glide on smoothly, and it helps sunscreen or makeup stay put longer. Because it's a large molecule, it sits on the surface of the skin rather than sinking in, so it's unlikely to cause breakouts or irritation. Think of it as a gentle, invisible shield that improves how a product feels and performs.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Cetyl Hexacosyl 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 Cetyl Hexacosyl 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 long-chain silicone molecules. It is a solid or semi-solid ingredient that is often dispersed in a volatile silicone fluid (like cyclomethicone) to create a gel-like texture.
How it works
When applied, the volatile silicone carrier evaporates, leaving behind a thin, flexible film of the crosspolymer on the skin. This film smooths the skin's surface, reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores temporarily, and helps other ingredients (like sunscreen filters or pigments) spread evenly and stay in place. It also gives products a luxurious, velvety feel.
Pros
Smooth, silky texture
Creates a velvety feel on skin that makes products glide on easily and leaves a soft, non-greasy finish.
Low irritation risk
Because it stays on the surface and doesn't penetrate pores, it's very unlikely to cause breakouts or stinging, even for sensitive skin.
Cons and cautions
Can feel heavy on oily skin
In high concentrations, the film may feel too slick or occlusive for people with very oily skin, potentially contributing to a shiny look.
Potential buildup on hair
When used in hair products, this silicone can accumulate over time, making hair feel weighed down or dull unless clarified regularly.
Best for
- People who want a smooth, primer-like finish under makeup
- Those looking for a non-comedogenic thickener in moisturizers or sunscreens
Use caution if
- Individuals who prefer silicone-free skincare routines
- Those with very oily skin who find silicone-heavy products too slippery or heavy
Usage tips
Safety summary
This silicone polymer is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. It is not absorbed into the skin, has very low irritation and allergy potential, and is not known to be toxic. Environmental persistence is the main concern, not human safety.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have concluded that dimethicone crosspolymers are safe as used in cosmetics. Studies show they do not penetrate the skin and have low acute toxicity. Research on environmental impact is ongoing, but no human health risks have been identified.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the FDA (USA) and EU CosIng database, with no known restrictions.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Primers, Foundations, Hair conditioners
- Environmental note
- Silicones like this one are not biodegradable and can accumulate in the environment. Some manufacturers are moving toward bio-based or biodegradable alternatives.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often pre-dispersed in a volatile silicone (like cyclomethicone) to make it easier to formulate.
- It is considered non-comedogenic by most dermatological sources, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores.
Common questions
What is Cetyl Hexacosyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer in beauty products?
This is a type of silicone that forms a flexible, breathable film on your skin. It makes creams and lotions feel silky and glide on smoothly, and it helps sunscreen or makeup stay put longer. Because it's a large molecule, it sits on the surface of the skin rather than sinking in, so it's unlikely to cause breakouts or irritation. Think of it as a gentle, invisible shield that improves how a product feels and performs.
What does Cetyl Hexacosyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?
When applied, the volatile silicone carrier evaporates, leaving behind a thin, flexible film of the crosspolymer on the skin. This film smooths the skin's surface, reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores temporarily, and helps other ingredients (like sunscreen filters or pigments) spread evenly and stay in place. It also gives products a luxurious, velvety feel.
Is Cetyl Hexacosyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer safe for most people?
This silicone polymer is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. It is not absorbed into the skin, has very low irritation and allergy potential, and is not known to be toxic. Environmental persistence is the main concern, not human safety.
Who should be careful with Cetyl Hexacosyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer?
Individuals who prefer silicone-free skincare routines Those with very oily skin who find silicone-heavy products too slippery or heavy
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.