Silicones are synthetic compounds containing up to 60% silicon and oxygen—the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust. They are manufactured from sand or quartz and are known for their chemical inertness and safety. Therefore, silicones are widely used in demanding industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, personal lubricants, and...
A silicone copolymer soluble in water, alcohol and hydroalcoholic systems
✔ Reduces surface tension
✔ Foaming agent
✔ Wetting agent ✔
Emulsifying agent for Silicone-Water
BRB 1840 is a clear solution of dimethiconol in cyclopentasiloxane. It gives the skin a dry, silky feeling and provides shine and a high conditioning effect on the hair
✔Easily emulsified
✔ Good compatibility with cosmetic ingredients
✔ Resistant to oxidation
✔ Good non-stick properties
✔ Gives shine, softness and better manageability to the hair
✔ 100% active amino-functional silicone oil
✔ Lower amine content but higher molecular weight than standard amino oils
✔ Easy to emulsion
✔ Less reactive than other amino-functional silicones/siloxanes
✔ Gloss enhancing
Caprylyl methicone is a clear, colorless silicone polymer used in cosmetics. It has a low viscosity and volatile nature, offers excellent spreadability and gives a light, silky and smooth feeling on the skin.
Silicones are synthetic compounds containing up to 60% silicon and oxygen—the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust. They are manufactured from sand or quartz and are known for their chemical inertness and safety. Therefore, silicones are widely used in demanding industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, personal lubricants, and food applications, without evidence of toxicity or unsafe practices.
Since their introduction in the 1970s, silicones have become an essential ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products. Today, they are present in every second new formulation launched. Their enhanced performance, compatibility with other ingredients, and unparalleled sensory properties make silicones valuable to both formulators and consumers.
Safety and Health Information
According to the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), silicones pose no risk to human health when used in cosmetic products. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), an independent panel of scientific experts, also confirms this conclusion.
Yet, some consumers choose to avoid silicones in skincare products, believing they offer only superficial benefits and don't contribute to overall skin health. These concerns are understandable, but not always scientifically substantiated.
Silicones are known for their occlusive properties : they form a breathable barrier that is resistant to water and air. This makes them particularly useful in wound healing and burns, where protection is essential while still allowing the skin to breathe. It is precisely this property that makes silicones valuable in cosmetics: they protect the skin and hair without occluding them, and contribute to long-lasting hydration and shine.
Product range of BRB International BV
We supply a wide range of silicone ingredients from BRB International BV, available in small to medium-sized packages . Ideal for prototyping, formula development, and cost-effective testing in the cosmetics industry.
Our range includes:
Silicone emulsions
Defoamers
Water-repellent materials
Lubricants
Silanes
Silicone resins
Dimethicones
Cyclomethicone mixtures
Dimethicone copolyols
Crosspolymers
Applications and Benefits
Silicones are available in numerous sizes and textures, making them versatile in hair care, skin care, and decorative cosmetics. They offer:
Luxurious softness and shine
Luxurious texture with excellent spread
Long-lasting effect and protection
Improved spreadability and color fastness
Silky soft skin feeling
Breathability without sealing the skin
Extended protection for dyed hair
Suitable for gels, conditioners, balms, markers and more
Types of Silicone
There are two main types of silicone:
Volatile silicone fluids : Cyclic and linear molecules with low viscosity (<5 cst), such as cyclomethicones. They evaporate quickly and leave a silky feel.
Non-volatile dimethicone : Optically clear, odorless, and non-flammable. Also known as silicone oil, dimethylpolysiloxane, or polydimethylsiloxane. Viscosity ranges from 5 cst to 1 million cst.
Product categories
Dimethicones – Smoothing silicone polymers for skin and hair care
Vinyl dimethicones – Silicones with vinyl groups for better adhesion and film formation
Dimethicone Copolyols – Water-soluble silicones for improved rinsing in shampoos and conditioners
Volatile Liquids – Lightweight silicones that evaporate quickly, leaving a silky feel
Crosspolymers – Network-structured silicones for texture and viscosity in creams and lotions
Polydimethylsiloxanol – Base component with smoothing and protective properties
Phenyl-modified fluids – Silicones with phenyl groups for gloss and refraction
Amino Oils – Silicones with amino groups for bonding and conditioning of hair and skin
Gum blends – Mixtures of silicone gels and liquids for texture and viscosity
Support and Formulation
A large portion of our product range is available in small packages, allowing you to test and develop easily and cost-effectively. We also offer extensive information on standard formulations, based on the years of expertise of BRB International BV.
