Skin Care

Sensory Science in Topical Applications

In skin care, the initial touch dictates consumer perception. Silicones function as the primary sensory architects of modern formulations—masking the tackiness of organic oils, reducing the perceived weight of barrier creams, and enabling the “water-burst” phenomenon. Manta’s skin care silicone range relies on three pillars: emulsion architecture, barrier functionality, and texture refinement—enabling formulations from lightweight “water-drop” serums to protective barrier creams designed for compromised skin.

Emulsion Architecture: W/Si and W/O Systems

Manta E1035 (Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, functionally comparable to Shin-Etsu KF-6038) is the primary choice for water-burst and water-drop cream formulations. Its branched structure and lauryl chain create highly stable W/Si and W/O emulsions with a distinct water-release effect upon skin contact—providing immediate hydration and a smooth finish. It supports cold-process manufacturing, preserving the integrity of heat-sensitive actives including vitamin C, retinoids, and encapsulated peptides.

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, producing a non-sticky skin feel with strong freeze-thaw stability. For heavier creams containing both silicone oils and organic oils, Manta E1011 (Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, comparable to Evonik ABIL EM 90) provides broad oil-phase compatibility, water-content stability up to 90% internal phase, and strong pigment dispersion for tinted moisturizers and BB formulations.

Barrier Functionality: Protective and Breathable Films

Manta F1016A (Dimethicone & Cyclomethicone blend) and Manta F1017 (Dimethiconol & 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 (TEWL) while remaining permeable to air and vapor. Manta F1017’s Dimethiconol hydroxyl functionality provides polar adsorption to keratin proteins, making it highly effective in intensive hand creams and therapeutic barrier formulations.

Manta W340-25 (Cetearyl Methicone) is a hybrid structurant with a melting point closely aligned to skin temperature (30–40°C). It transitions from an application-friendly waxy solid to a lubricious fluid upon contact, locking in moisture through a breathable hydrophobic film without the drag of conventional organic waxes. It acts as the core structurant for body butters, night creams, and anhydrous lip balms.

Lightweight Serums: Anti-Aging and Water-Drop Formats

The modern anti-aging serum demands a specific sensory profile: a smooth skin feel combined with near-zero weight and rapid absorption. Manta F1006 (1.5 cSt or 2 cSt) (linear dimethicone fluids) are D5-compliant volatile carriers that provide a “vanishing” sensation, delivering actives uniformly before evaporating without residue or pore blockage. For the lightweight water-cream segment, Manta F1042 (Caprylyl Trimethicone) functions as a semi-volatile carrier with strong compatibility with organic UV filters and botanical oils, reducing their tackiness without compromising formula stability.

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, delivering the slip of silicone within a water-based system. Both dissolve to form clear solutions with no emulsification required—designed for essence toners, gel textures, and transparent serum formats.

Recommended Formulation Ingredients