Amino Silicones for Hair Care: How to Choose Amodimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone or Amino-Phenyl Silicone

Amino functional silicone fluids are silicones that carry amine groups on the polymer chain. In hair care formulas these groups give the silicone a positive charge, so it binds selectively to the negatively charged, damaged areas of the hair fiber. That selective deposition is why amino silicones condition damaged hair more efficiently than plain dimethicone. Manta supplies four amino-functional grades for shampoos, conditioners, masks, serums and perm or color protectants: F1030 and F1030A (Amodimethicone), F1031 (Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone) and F2012 (Aminopropyl Phenyl Trimethicone).

How Amino Silicones Condition Damaged Hair

Hair fibers carry an increasingly negative surface charge as chemical processing, UV exposure and heat damage the cuticle. Amino silicones adsorb to these sites, so the conditioning film forms where the hair needs it most instead of coating the whole fiber evenly. The result is easier wet and dry combing, softer feel, more shine and a restored hydrophobic surface.

Two design choices decide how an amino silicone behaves:

• Where the amine groups sit. In amodimethicone the amine groups hang along the backbone (pendant). In bis-aminopropyl dimethicone they sit only at the two chain ends (terminal, or telechelic).
• How many amine groups there are. This is the amine value, in mmol/g. A higher amine value gives stronger, longer-lasting deposition. A lower amine value, or terminal amines, gives a lighter feel and a lower risk of oxidative yellowing.

Manta Amino Silicone Grades Compared

Grade	INCI	Amine position	Amine value (mmol/g)	Viscosity (cSt, 25 °C)	Best for
Manta F1030	Amodimethicone	Pendant, self-crosslinking	0.36	2,500–6,000	Damaged, coarse or chemically processed hair; masks and salon treatments
Manta F1030A	Amodimethicone	Pendant, optimized amine content	0.2	2,500–6,000	Fine, limp or easily greasy hair; conditioners and leave-in sprays
Manta F1031	Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone	Terminal (telechelic)	0.06	1,000–20,000	Color-treated and fine hair; light, build-up-free conditioning
Manta F2012	Aminopropyl Phenyl Trimethicone	Amino plus phenyl groups	Not specified	1,000–5,000	Gloss serums; light-colored, bleached or dyed hair

F1030: Self-Crosslinking Amodimethicone for Damaged Hair

Manta F1030 is a reactive, cationic amino silicone with pendant amine groups and an amine value of 0.36 mmol/g. As the hair dries, the reactive amino sites condense into an elastic polymer network on the hair shaft. This film resists wash-off and gives long-lasting softness, combability and cuticle protection. It suits strengthening shampoos, intensive conditioners, deep conditioning masks, repair serums and hot oil treatments.

F1030A: Lighter Amodimethicone for Fine Hair

Manta F1030A has the same viscosity range as F1030 but a lower amine value of 0.2 mmol/g. It still adsorbs to damaged areas and forms an elastic film, but the film is lighter and more flexible, so fine, limp or easily greasy hair keeps its movement and volume. It suits shampoos, conditioners, leave-in sprays and treatments.

F1031: Terminal Amino Silicone for Color-Treated Hair

Manta F1031 carries its amino groups only at the chain ends, with an amine value of 0.06 mmol/g. This telechelic structure gives targeted adsorption to damaged sites without the oxidation risk of high-amine fluids, so it offers strong yellowing resistance, a low odor and a smooth, build-up-free feel. It suits color-treated, fine or easily weighed-down hair, including leave-in detangling sprays and serums.

F2012: Amino-Phenyl Silicone for Gloss

Manta F2012 combines amine groups for substantivity with phenyl groups that raise the refractive index to 1.4900–1.5100. Its sterically hindered structure resists oxidative yellowing, which makes it suitable for light-colored, bleached or dyed hair. Use it in premium shampoos, conditioners, masks and leave-in repair serums where gloss matters.

How to Formulate with Amino Silicones

• Use level: 0.1–2.0% of the formula for F1030, F1030A and F1031; 0.2–2.0% for F2012. Adjust to the hair type and the level of conditioning you need.
• Emulsions: add F1030 or F1030A to the melted oil phase below 50 °C and mix until uniform before emulsifying. Pre-emulsify F1031 or F2012 with suitable surfactants, or add them during cool-down below 50 °C.
• Serums and oils: F1031 and F2012 can go straight into the oil phase at room temperature.
• Perms and hair colorants: all four grades work as structural protectants against thioglycolates and oxidants. They are not alkalis and cannot replace ammonia or other alkalizing agents.

FAQ

What is an amino functional silicone fluid?

It is a silicone fluid with amine groups on the polymer chain. The amine groups give it a positive charge in hair care formulas, so it deposits selectively on damaged, negatively charged areas of the hair. Amodimethicone and bis-aminopropyl dimethicone are the most common INCI names.

What is the difference between amodimethicone and bis-aminopropyl dimethicone?

In amodimethicone, such as Manta F1030 and F1030A, the amine groups sit along the backbone, which gives strong, durable conditioning. In bis-aminopropyl dimethicone, such as Manta F1031, they sit only at the chain ends, which gives a lighter feel and better yellowing resistance.

Which amino silicone is best for blonde or color-treated hair?

Choose a grade with low oxidation risk: Manta F1031 (terminal amines, amine value 0.06 mmol/g) or Manta F2012 (sterically hindered amino-phenyl structure). Both are described in their TDS as resistant to yellowing.

How much amino silicone should I use in a conditioner?

Manta’s amino silicones are used at 0.1–2.0% of the formula (0.2–2.0% for F2012). Start low for fine hair and increase for damaged or coarse hair.

Can amino silicones replace ammonia in hair colorants?

No. They protect the hair structure during perming and coloring, but they are not alkalis and cannot replace ammonia or other alkalizing agents.

See all functional silicone fluids, or read how amino silicones fit with gum blends, phenyl silicones and volatile carriers in silicones for hair care.

Nanjing Manta New Material Co., Ltd. — upstream manufacturer serving formulators in skin care, hair care, color cosmetics, and sun protection globally.