Application
Sun Care
Silicone Selection for UV Filter Dispersion and Water Resistance
Silicones in sun care are used to disperse mineral UV filters, dissolve and lighten organic UV filters, hold filters on the skin with water-resistant films, and keep high-SPF formulas lightweight and non-greasy. Manta supplies alkyl and carbinol-functional silicones for UV filter dispersion, phenyl silicones, MQ and MQ-T resins with volatile carriers, silicone emulsifiers and gum blends for sunscreens, daily UV products and after-sun care. Each group addresses a specific high-SPF challenge: white cast from mineral filters, poor solubility of organic filters, and water resistance without a heavy feel.
Mineral UV Filter Dispersion: Reducing White Cast
In mineral sunscreens containing TiO₂ or ZnO, particle agglomeration is the primary cause of white cast and of SPF performance below its potential.
F1042A
Caprylyl Silicone Wetting Agents
Manta F1042 (Caprylyl Trimethicone) is an efficient wetting agent for inorganic UV filters. Its caprylyl alkyl group bridges the polarity gap between the particle surface and the oil phase, promoting uniform particle distribution that improves the visual finish and supports SPF performance through even coverage of the skin surface. Manta F1042A (Caprylyl Methicone), an alkyl-modified trisiloxane, provides complementary wetting with high compatibility in natural oil and hydrocarbon solvent systems for hybrid organic–mineral formulations.
Caprylyl Methicone →F1230
Carbinol-Functional Suspension Agent
Manta F1230 (Bishydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone) acts as a carbinol-functional suspension agent, preventing pigment sedimentation and supporting long-term stability in sunscreen emulsions and fluids with high powder loading.
Bishydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone →Organic UV Filter Solubility and Oil-Phase Optimization
Organic UV filters such as avobenzone, homosalate and octisalate present significant solubility challenges at the high loading levels required for SPF 50+ formulas.
F1057
Phenyl Silicones
Manta F1057 (Phenyl Trimethicone), with a viscosity of 18–27 cSt, is a non-volatile, high-refractive-index silicone emollient with solubilizing capacity for common organic UV filters. It reduces the soaping or white rub-out effect often seen in O/W sunscreen emulsions and contributes to a clear finish. Manta F1046 (Phenyl Trimethicone) is a lighter phenyl silicone fluid of 3.0–7.0 cSt; together with F1042 it acts as a lightweight co-solvent that reduces the overall greasiness of heavy organic filter loads without compromising UV efficacy.
Phenyl Trimethicone →Water Resistance: Silicone Resin Films
Water-resistance claims (for example, 80 minutes) require UV filters to stay anchored to the skin through immersion and perspiration. Film formers help achieve this, but the claim itself must be confirmed by testing the finished product.
F1006 2.0cSt
MQ Resin with a Linear Volatile Carrier
Manta A202 (Trimethylsiloxysilicate), a solid MQ resin, forms a three-dimensional hydrophobic film network that physically holds UV filter molecules against wash-off. When pre-dissolved in Manta F1006 2 cSt (Dimethicone)—a dodecamethylpentasiloxane fluid and a linear (non-cyclic) volatile alternative to D5—it gives a rapid-drying, non-sticky application.
Dimethicone →A2024
MQ-T Propyl Hybrid Resin
Manta A2024 (Trimethylsiloxysilicate (and) Polypropylsilsesquioxane), an MQ-T propyl resin hybrid, provides comparable water resistance with an improved soft-touch film, avoiding the tightening sensation of standard resins. It offers high compatibility with organic UV filter systems in clean-label formulations.
Trimethylsiloxysilicate (and) Polypropylsilsesquioxane →Daily UV and Tinted SPF: Silicone Emulsifiers
For daily-use tinted UV fluids and BB SPF products, a W/Si emulsification system provides the structure for stable formulas that work as both skin care and photoprotection.
E1036
W/Si and W/O Emulsifiers
Manta E1011 (Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone) is a universal W/O emulsifier that supports stable high-SPF emulsions with good pigment dispersion. Manta E1035 (Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone) builds lightweight W/Si SPF emulsions, and Manta E1036 (PEG-10 Dimethicone) provides high emulsifying efficiency at low dosage.
PEG-10 Dimethicone →After-Sun Care: Conditioning Gum Blends
F1016C
Dimethiconol Gum Blends
The after-sun segment needs ingredients that restore moisture balance and sensory comfort. Manta F1016C (Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol) and Manta F1017 (Dimethiconol (and) Dimethicone) deposit substantive, breathable conditioning films that soothe stressed skin while improving the spreadability and absorption of panthenol, aloe vera and other active ingredients.
Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol →Recommended Manta Silicones for Sun Care
| Function | Manta Grade | INCI | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral filter wetting agent | F1042 | Caprylyl Trimethicone | Reduces white cast, TiO₂/ZnO wetting |
| Complementary wetting agent | F1042A | Caprylyl Methicone | Natural oil and hydrocarbon compatibility |
| Pigment suspension agent | F1230 | Bishydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone | Anti-sedimentation, emulsion stability |
| Organic filter solubilizer | F1057 | Phenyl Trimethicone | UV filter solubility, reduced soaping |
| Lightweight co-solvent | F1046 | Phenyl Trimethicone | Less greasiness with heavy filter loads |
| Water-resistant film former | A202 | Trimethylsiloxysilicate | Hydrophobic film that holds UV filters |
| Volatile carrier (linear D5 alternative) | F1006 2.0cSt | Dimethicone | Rapid-drying, non-sticky resin carrier |
| Flexible water-resistant film | A2024 | Trimethylsiloxysilicate (and) Polypropylsilsesquioxane | Soft-touch film, organic filter compatible |
| Universal W/O emulsifier | E1011 | Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone | High-SPF stability, pigment dispersion |
| W/Si emulsifier | E1035 | Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone | Lightweight SPF emulsion structure |
| Low-dosage W/O emulsifier | E1036 | PEG-10 Dimethicone | High emulsifying efficiency |
| After-sun substantive film | F1016C | Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol | Breathable conditioning film |
| After-sun conditioning film | F1017 | Dimethiconol (and) Dimethicone | Better spreadability of after-sun actives |
Also Suitable for Sun Care
Additional grades whose technical data sheet lists sun care among their application areas.
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G701A (Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer)
Oil-phase thickening and soft focus — Sunscreens and after-sun products
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G703B (Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer)
Non-cyclic elastomer cushion — Sunscreen creams and after-sun lotions (improves spreadability)
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F1045 (Cyclopentasiloxane)
Volatile cyclic carrier — Sunscreens (improves spreadability and aids in physical pigment dispersion)
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F1048 (Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Cyclohexasiloxane)
Volatile cyclic carrier (slow flash-off) — Sunscreens and after-sun products (improves the even distribution of active UV filters)
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F1056 (Phenyl Dimethicone)
Phenyl silicone for gloss — Sunscreen lotions (acts as an excellent compatibilizer to stabilize complex oil phases and organic UV filters)
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F1056A (Phenyl Dimethicone)
Alcohol-soluble phenyl silicone — Sunscreen lotions and sprays (improves UV filter stability and spreadability)
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F10412 (Lauryl Dimethicone)
Alkyl-modified sensory modifier — Sunscreens and after-sun products (improves pigment dispersion and spreadability)
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F1047 (Cyclotetrasiloxane (and) Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol)
Dimethiconol gum blend in cyclic carrier — Sunscreens and after-sun products (improves UV filter distribution and water resistance)
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F10161 (Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone)
Dimethicone gum blend in D5 carrier — Sunscreens and after-sun products (improves water resistance)
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce white cast in a TiO₂ or ZnO sunscreen?
Wet the mineral filters with Manta F1042 (Caprylyl Trimethicone), which bridges the polarity gap between the particle surface and the oil phase for uniform distribution, and add Manta F1230 (Bishydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone) to prevent sedimentation in high-powder formulas. Manta F1042A suits mineral systems based on natural oils or hydrocarbons.
Which silicone resin helps sunscreen water resistance?
Manta A202 (Trimethylsiloxysilicate) forms a hydrophobic MQ resin film that helps hold UV filters on the skin, and pre-dissolving it in Manta F1006 2 cSt gives a fast-drying, non-sticky application. Manta A2024 offers a softer film; any water-resistance claim must be confirmed by testing the finished sunscreen.
Which silicones help dissolve organic UV filters?
Manta F1057 (Phenyl Trimethicone) is a non-volatile, high-refractive-index emollient with solubilizing capacity for common organic UV filters, and it reduces soaping in O/W emulsions. Manta F1046 and F1042 act as lightweight co-solvents that cut the greasiness of high filter loads.
What is the difference between Manta F1057 and F1046?
Both are Phenyl Trimethicone. F1057 has a viscosity of 18–27 cSt and a refractive index of 1.4600–1.4690, while F1046 is lighter at 3.0–7.0 cSt (refractive index 1.4300–1.4500), which suits its role as a lightweight co-solvent.
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Formulating for Sun Care?
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