Ingredient review
Polysilicone-13
INCI: Polysilicone-13
Polysilicone-13 is a gentle silicone that helps products spread smoothly and resist water, but it offers no active skincare benefits.
In plain English
Polysilicone-13 is a type of silicone that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin. This film helps makeup stay in place longer, makes products feel silky when applied, and can help sunscreen resist water and sweat. It doesn't clog pores for most people and is generally well-tolerated, but it's purely a cosmetic ingredient—it doesn't hydrate, treat, or repair the skin.
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
Polysilicone-13 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 Polysilicone-13.
- 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
Polysilicone-13 is a synthetic silicone polymer. It belongs to a family of ingredients known as film-formers, which means they create a continuous layer on the skin's surface after the product dries.
How it works
When applied, the water or solvent in the product evaporates, leaving behind a thin, flexible silicone film. This film smooths the skin's texture, reduces the appearance of fine lines temporarily, and helps other ingredients (like pigments or UV filters) stay in place longer. It also provides a degree of water resistance.
Pros
Smooth application
Polysilicone-13 gives products a silky, spreadable texture that glides onto skin without tugging.
Boosts wear time
It helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, even in humid or sweaty conditions.
Cons and cautions
No active benefit
This ingredient only improves feel and wear—it doesn't moisturize, soothe, or treat skin concerns.
Environmental concerns
Silicones like Polysilicone-13 are not biodegradable and can accumulate in the environment, which matters if you prioritize eco-friendly products.
Best for
- People who want long-wearing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen
- Those with normal to dry skin looking for a smooth, non-greasy finish
Use caution if
- Individuals who prefer silicone-free skincare routines
- Those with very oily or acne-prone skin who find silicones clogging
Usage tips
Safety summary
Polysilicone-13 has a low irritation and comedogenic risk for most skin types. It is considered safe in cosmetic use, though individuals with very sensitive or acne-prone skin should patch-test first.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have concluded that silicones like Polysilicone-13 are safe for use in cosmetics at current levels. There is limited independent research on this specific polymer, but its safety profile is well-established through industry data.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 0.5% to 5% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU, and many other regions. No concentration restrictions are typically imposed for leave-on products.
- Common uses
- Primers, Sunscreens, Long-wear foundations, Moisturizers
- Environmental note
- Polysilicone-13 is a synthetic silicone that is not readily biodegradable. Some manufacturers are moving toward more eco-friendly alternatives, but it remains common in long-wear formulas.
Good to know
- Polysilicone-13 is often combined with other silicones or film-formers for enhanced water resistance.
- It is considered safe by major regulatory bodies when used in cosmetics at typical concentrations.
Common questions
What is Polysilicone-13 in beauty products?
Polysilicone-13 is a type of silicone that forms a thin, flexible film on your skin. This film helps makeup stay in place longer, makes products feel silky when applied, and can help sunscreen resist water and sweat. It doesn't clog pores for most people and is generally well-tolerated, but it's purely a cosmetic ingredient—it doesn't hydrate, treat, or repair the skin.
What does Polysilicone-13 do in a beauty product?
When applied, the water or solvent in the product evaporates, leaving behind a thin, flexible silicone film. This film smooths the skin's texture, reduces the appearance of fine lines temporarily, and helps other ingredients (like pigments or UV filters) stay in place longer. It also provides a degree of water resistance.
Is Polysilicone-13 safe for most people?
Polysilicone-13 has a low irritation and comedogenic risk for most skin types. It is considered safe in cosmetic use, though individuals with very sensitive or acne-prone skin should patch-test first.
Who should be careful with Polysilicone-13?
Individuals who prefer silicone-free skincare routines Those with very oily or acne-prone skin who find silicones clogging
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.