Ingredient review
Lauryl Silicone Crosspolymer Blend
INCI: LAURYL POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE/BIS-VINYLDIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER
A silicone crosspolymer that helps products spread smoothly, feel silky, and stay put without clogging pores.
In plain English
This is a type of silicone that forms a flexible, breathable film on your skin or hair. It helps makeup glide on evenly, reduces greasiness, and makes the product feel lightweight and silky. Think of it as a high-tech ingredient that gives your foundation or sunscreen a smooth, second-skin finish.
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
Lauryl Silicone Crosspolymer Blend 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 Silicone Crosspolymer Blend.
- 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 created by crosslinking different silicone chains. It is a solid or semi-solid material that is dispersed in oils or other silicones to create a gel-like texture.
How it works
When applied, it spreads into a thin, even film that holds other ingredients in place. This film is water-resistant but not completely occlusive, so it helps products last longer without feeling heavy or sticky. It also thickens formulas, giving them a luxurious, velvety feel.
Pros
Silky, lightweight feel
Creates a smooth, velvety texture that makes products glide on easily and feel comfortable on the skin.
Improves wear time
Forms a flexible film that helps makeup and sunscreen stay in place longer, even in humid conditions.
Cons and cautions
Environmental persistence
As a silicone, it does not break down easily in the environment, which is a concern for eco-conscious users.
May require double cleansing
Its film-forming nature can make it resistant to water and mild cleansers, so you might need an oil-based cleanser to remove it fully.
Best for
- People who want long-wearing makeup or sunscreen
- Those with normal to dry skin who enjoy a silky, smooth finish
- Anyone looking for a non-greasy texture in their products
Use caution if
- Those who prefer silicone-free or minimalist routines
- People with very oily or acne-prone skin who find silicones too heavy
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing for most people. The main concern is environmental persistence, not human toxicity.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have found silicone crosspolymers to be safe as used in cosmetics. Studies show low skin penetration and no significant irritation or allergy potential. Environmental data indicate poor biodegradability.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the FDA (USA) and the European Commission. No specific concentration limits are set, but formulators follow good manufacturing practices.
- Common uses
- Foundations, Primers, Sunscreens, Hair Serums, Long-wear Makeup
- Environmental note
- Silicones like this one are not biodegradable and can accumulate in water systems. Some brands are moving toward biodegradable alternatives, but this ingredient remains widely used for its performance.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often found in 'long-wear' or '24-hour' makeup formulas.
- It is considered non-comedogenic for most skin types, but individual reactions vary.
- Silicone crosspolymers are different from volatile silicones; they stay on the skin rather than evaporating.
Common questions
What is Lauryl Silicone Crosspolymer Blend in beauty products?
This is a type of silicone that forms a flexible, breathable film on your skin or hair. It helps makeup glide on evenly, reduces greasiness, and makes the product feel lightweight and silky. Think of it as a high-tech ingredient that gives your foundation or sunscreen a smooth, second-skin finish.
What does Lauryl Silicone Crosspolymer Blend do in a beauty product?
When applied, it spreads into a thin, even film that holds other ingredients in place. This film is water-resistant but not completely occlusive, so it helps products last longer without feeling heavy or sticky. It also thickens formulas, giving them a luxurious, velvety feel.
Is Lauryl Silicone Crosspolymer Blend safe for most people?
Considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing for most people. The main concern is environmental persistence, not human toxicity.
Who should be careful with Lauryl Silicone Crosspolymer Blend?
Those who prefer silicone-free or minimalist routines People with very oily or acne-prone skin who find silicones too 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.