Application
Skin Care
Silicone Selection for Texture, Spreading and Barrier Performance
Silicones in skin care are used to stabilize water-in-silicone and water-in-oil emulsions, mask the tackiness of organic oils, lighten the feel of rich creams and form breathable films that help reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Manta supplies W/Si and W/O emulsifiers, volatile and semi-volatile carriers, an elastomer gel, gum blends, a silicone wax and water-soluble silicones for skin care formulations ranging from lightweight water-drop serums to protective barrier creams.
Emulsion Systems: Silicone Emulsifiers for W/Si and W/O Creams
The emulsifier sets the structure and first touch of water-in-silicone (W/Si) and water-in-oil (W/O) creams, lotions and tinted moisturizers. Choose the grade by the sensory effect and oil phase you need.
E1035
Water-Drop and Water-Burst Creams
Manta E1035 (Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone), functionally comparable to Shin-Etsu KF-6038, is the primary choice for water-burst and water-drop creams. Its branched structure and lauryl chain create stable W/Si and W/O emulsions with a distinct water-release effect on skin contact, giving immediate hydration and a smooth finish. It supports cold-process manufacturing, which helps preserve heat-sensitive actives such as vitamin C, retinoids and encapsulated peptides.
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone →E1036
Lightweight Lotions and Day Creams
Manta E1036 (PEG-10 Dimethicone), comparable to Dow ES-5612 and Shin-Etsu KF-6017, provides high emulsifying power at low dosage for lotions and day creams, with a non-sticky skin feel and strong freeze-thaw stability.
PEG-10 Dimethicone →E1011
Rich Creams and Tinted Moisturizers
For heavier creams that combine silicone oils and organic oils, Manta E1011 (Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone), comparable to Evonik ABIL EM 90, offers broad oil-phase compatibility, emulsion stability with a high internal water phase, and strong pigment dispersion for tinted moisturizers and BB formulations.
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone →Sensory Modifiers and Carriers for Lightweight Serums
A modern anti-aging serum needs a smooth skin feel combined with near-zero weight and rapid absorption. Volatile and semi-volatile silicones spread actives evenly and then evaporate, while an elastomer gel adds a soft, velvety texture.
F1006 1.5cSt
Linear Volatile Silicones
Manta F1006 1.5 cSt (Dimethicone), a decamethyltetrasiloxane fluid of 1.4–1.6 cSt, and Manta F1006 2 cSt (Dimethicone), a dodecamethylpentasiloxane fluid of 1.8–2.2 cSt, are each a linear (non-cyclic) volatile alternative to D5. They give a “vanishing” sensation, delivering actives uniformly before evaporating without leaving a residue.
Dimethicone →F1042
Semi-Volatile Carrier for Botanical Oils and UV Filters
For the lightweight water-cream segment, Manta F1042 (Caprylyl Trimethicone), with a viscosity of 2.0–4.0 mPa·s, works as a semi-volatile carrier with strong compatibility with organic UV filters and botanical oils, reducing their tackiness without compromising formula stability.
Caprylyl Trimethicone →G700B
Silicone Elastomer Gel for Velvety Texture
Manta G700B (Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer) is a silicone elastomer gel in a non-volatile dimethicone carrier, with a non-volatile content above 70%. It suits creams, serums and primers that need the velvety, cushioning feel of a dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer gel, and its INCI contains no cyclosiloxane.
Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer →Barrier and Film Formation
Breathable silicone films protect the skin surface and lock in moisture without the heavy, greasy feel of conventional occlusives.
F1016A
Silicone Gum Blends for Breathable Barrier Films
Manta F1016A (Dimethicone (and) Cyclomethicone) and Manta F1017 (Dimethiconol (and) Dimethicone) are high-molecular-weight silicone gum blends that deposit substantive, breathable hydrophobic films on the skin surface. Unlike petrolatum-based occlusives, these films reduce transepidermal water loss while remaining permeable to air and water vapor. The hydroxyl functionality of the dimethiconol in F1017 provides polar adsorption to keratin proteins, making it effective in intensive hand creams and barrier creams. F1016A is a gum blend in a hybrid carrier, offered in 5,000–6,000, 6,000–7,000 and 10,000–12,000 cSt grades; F1017 is a gum blend in a non-volatile carrier with a viscosity of 1,200–2,500 cSt.
Dimethicone (and) Cyclomethicone →W340-25
Skin-Temperature Wax Structurant
Manta W340-25 (Cetearyl Methicone) is an oil-soluble silicone wax with a melting point of 30–40 °C, close to skin temperature. It changes from an easy-to-handle waxy solid to a lubricious fluid on contact, locking in moisture through a breathable hydrophobic film without the drag of conventional organic waxes. It is the core structurant for body butters, night creams and anhydrous lip balms.
Cetearyl Methicone →Water-Soluble Silicones for Aqueous Serums and Gel-Creams
F1019
PEG-Modified Dimethicones
The water-soluble silicones Manta F1019 (PEG/PPG-15/15 Dimethicone) and Manta F1039 (PEG-12 Dimethicone) act as hydro-emollients in aqueous serums and gel-creams, bringing the slip of silicone to a water-based system. Both dissolve to form clear solutions with no emulsification required, which suits essence toners, gel textures and transparent serums. F1019 is compatible with cold-process toners and gels, while F1039 (cloud point ≥ 90 °C) also works as a foam and slip modifier.
PEG/PPG-15/15 Dimethicone →Recommended Manta Silicones for Skin Care
| Function | Manta Grade | INCI | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| W/Si and W/O emulsifier (water-drop) | E1035 | Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone | Water-release effect, cold-process compatible |
| Lightweight W/O emulsifier | E1036 | PEG-10 Dimethicone | High emulsifying efficiency at low dosage, non-sticky feel |
| Universal W/O emulsifier | E1011 | Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone | Broad oil compatibility, high internal water phase |
| Volatile carrier (linear D5 alternative) | F1006 1.5cSt | Dimethicone | Vanishing, residue-free dry-down |
| Volatile carrier (linear D5 alternative) | F1006 2.0cSt | Dimethicone | Dry-touch serum base |
| Semi-volatile carrier and oil compatibilizer | F1042 | Caprylyl Trimethicone | Reduces tackiness of botanical oils and UV filters |
| Elastomer gel (sensory modifier) | G700B | Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer | Velvety texture in a non-volatile carrier |
| Breathable barrier gum blend | F1016A | Dimethicone (and) Cyclomethicone | Substantive, non-greasy protective film |
| Barrier film gum blend | F1017 | Dimethiconol (and) Dimethicone | TEWL reduction, keratin adsorption |
| Skin-temperature wax structurant | W340-25 | Cetearyl Methicone | Melts at 30–40 °C, breathable film without drag |
| Water-soluble silicone | F1019 | PEG/PPG-15/15 Dimethicone | Clear solutions, cold-process toners and gels |
| Water-soluble silicone | F1039 | PEG-12 Dimethicone | Clear serums, foam and slip modifier |
Also Suitable for Skin Care
Additional grades whose technical data sheet lists skin care among their application areas.
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G701A (Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer)
Oil-phase thickening and soft focus — Facial creams, serums, and moisturizing lotions
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G703B (Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer)
Non-cyclic elastomer cushion — Facial creams, moisturizing lotions, and anti-aging serums
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W341 (Cetyl Dimethicone)
Liquid alkyl silicone emollient — Moisturizing creams, lotions, and body butters (especially for dry skin)
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F1045 (Cyclopentasiloxane)
Volatile cyclic carrier — Facial creams, serums, and body lotions
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F1048 (Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Cyclohexasiloxane)
Volatile cyclic carrier (slow flash-off) — Facial creams, massage creams, and body lotions (provides extended massage time without dragging)
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F1056 (Phenyl Dimethicone)
Phenyl silicone for gloss — Facial creams, moisturizing lotions, and shaving creams/lotions
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F1056A (Phenyl Dimethicone)
Alcohol-soluble phenyl silicone — Moisturizing lotions, facial creams, and luxury serums
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F10412 (Lauryl Dimethicone)
Alkyl-modified sensory modifier — Facial creams, moisturizing lotions, and serums (effectively reduces the tackiness of heavy organic oils)
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F1047 (Cyclotetrasiloxane (and) Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol)
Dimethiconol gum blend in cyclic carrier — Creams, lotions, and color cosmetics (provides a smooth, durable canvas)
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F10161 (Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone)
Dimethicone gum blend in D5 carrier — Facial creams, body lotions, and anti-aging serums
Frequently Asked Questions
Which silicone emulsifier gives a water-drop effect?
Manta E1035 (Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone) is the primary choice for water-drop and water-burst creams. Its branched structure and lauryl chain build stable W/Si and W/O emulsions that release water on skin contact, and it supports cold-process manufacturing.
What can replace D5 in a lightweight serum?
Manta F1006 1.5 cSt and Manta F1006 2 cSt are linear dimethicone fluids (decamethyltetrasiloxane and dodecamethylpentasiloxane) that give a vanishing, residue-free dry-down. For a semi-volatile option that also reduces the tackiness of botanical oils, use Manta F1042 (Caprylyl Trimethicone).
What is the difference between Manta F1016A and F1017?
Both are gum blends that form breathable barrier films. F1016A (Dimethicone (and) Cyclomethicone) uses a hybrid carrier and comes in 5,000–12,000 cSt grades, while F1017 (Dimethiconol (and) Dimethicone) uses a non-volatile carrier (1,200–2,500 cSt) and its dimethiconol adds polar adsorption to keratin for intensive hand and barrier creams.
At what temperature does Manta W340-25 melt?
Manta W340-25 (Cetearyl Methicone) melts at 30–40 °C, close to skin temperature, so it turns from a waxy solid into a lubricious fluid on application. It is used as the structurant in body butters, night creams and anhydrous lip balms.
Which silicones dissolve in water for clear toners and gel serums?
Manta F1019 (PEG/PPG-15/15 Dimethicone) and Manta F1039 (PEG-12 Dimethicone) both dissolve to form clear solutions without emulsification. F1039 has a cloud point of at least 90 °C.
Explore Other Applications
Formulating for Skin Care?
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