Ingredient review
Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
INCI: LAURYL DIMETHICONE/POLYGLYCERIN-3 CROSSPOLYMER
A gentle silicone-based ingredient that forms a breathable, water-resistant film to smooth skin and hair without clogging pores.
In plain English
This ingredient is a type of silicone that has been chemically modified to be more water-friendly. When applied, it spreads into a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. This film helps lock in moisture, creates a smooth feel, and can make your skin look softer and more even. Because it's crosslinked (like a tiny mesh), it stays put longer than regular silicones but still lets your skin breathe. It's often used in products that need to resist water or sweat, like long-wear makeup or sunscreens.
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
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 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 Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 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 semi-synthetic polymer made by combining a silicone (dimethicone) with a water-loving ingredient (polyglycerin-3) and then crosslinking them into a network. This creates a material that can form a flexible, water-resistant film.
How it works
When you apply a product containing this ingredient, it spreads evenly and dries down into a thin, invisible film. This film sits on top of your skin or hair, acting as a barrier that reduces water loss (keeping moisture in) and repels water from the outside. The crosslinked structure means the film is more durable and less likely to rub off than regular silicones. It also helps other ingredients spread smoothly and gives a silky, non-greasy feel.
Pros
Long-lasting film
The crosslinked structure creates a durable film that stays on skin or hair longer than regular silicones, making it great for water-resistant sunscreens and long-wear makeup.
Non-greasy feel
It provides a smooth, silky texture without the heavy or greasy feeling that some oils or waxes can leave behind, so your skin feels comfortable and not sticky.
Cons and cautions
Removal can be tricky
Because it forms a water-resistant film, this ingredient may not wash off completely with a gentle cleanser alone. You might need an oil-based cleanser or double cleansing to remove it fully.
Not for silicone-free fans
If you prefer to avoid silicones for personal or environmental reasons, this ingredient is still a silicone derivative and would not fit a silicone-free routine.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for long-lasting hydration
- Anyone using long-wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid silicones in their skincare routine
Usage tips
Safety summary
Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is not known to be toxic or sensitizing. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have evaluated similar silicone crosspolymers and found them safe for topical use.
Research notes
There is limited published research specifically on this exact crosspolymer, but studies on similar silicone film-formers show they are well-tolerated on skin and effective at reducing water loss. The safety of dimethicone and its derivatives has been reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel, which concluded they are safe for use in cosmetics.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. It is not classified as a hazardous substance under standard cosmetic regulations.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Primers, Hair conditioners, Color cosmetics
- Environmental note
- As a silicone-based polymer, it may not be biodegradable. However, its large molecular size means it is unlikely to penetrate skin or be absorbed into the body. Some manufacturers are moving toward more biodegradable alternatives.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often used in 'water-resistant' sunscreens to help the SPF stay effective longer.
- It is considered non-comedogenic for most skin types, but everyone's skin is different—patch test if you are prone to breakouts.
- The 'polyglycerin-3' part makes it more compatible with water than traditional silicones, so it can be easier to formulate into lightweight gels.
Common questions
What is Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer in beauty products?
This ingredient is a type of silicone that has been chemically modified to be more water-friendly. When applied, it spreads into a thin, flexible film on your skin or hair. This film helps lock in moisture, creates a smooth feel, and can make your skin look softer and more even. Because it's crosslinked (like a tiny mesh), it stays put longer than regular silicones but still lets your skin breathe. It's often used in products that need to resist water or sweat, like long-wear makeup or sunscreens.
What does Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?
When you apply a product containing this ingredient, it spreads evenly and dries down into a thin, invisible film. This film sits on top of your skin or hair, acting as a barrier that reduces water loss (keeping moisture in) and repels water from the outside. The crosslinked structure means the film is more durable and less likely to rub off than regular silicones. It also helps other ingredients spread smoothly and gives a silky, non-greasy feel.
Is Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer safe for most people?
Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is not known to be toxic or sensitizing. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have evaluated similar silicone crosspolymers and found them safe for topical use.
Who should be careful with Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer?
Those who strictly avoid silicones in their skincare routine
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.