Frequently Asked Questions

Technical, commercial, and regulatory answers for formulation chemists, procurement managers, and brand owners working with Manta silicone ingredients.

Products & Technology

Grades, equivalents, D5 alternatives, elastomers, resins, amino silicones

Our personal care portfolio spans nine functional categories:

Category Representative Grades Typical Applications
Volatile Cyclic Silicones F1045 (D5), F1049 (D6), F1048 (D5/D6 blend), F1043 (Methyl Trimethicone) Liquid foundations, sunscreens, antiperspirants
Ultra-Low Viscosity Linear Volatiles F1006-0.65 cSt (Disiloxane), F1006-1.5 cSt (Decamethyltetrasiloxane) Fast-dry formulations, D5 compliance alternatives
Functional & Alkyl-Modified Silicones F1042 (Caprylyl TM), F1042A (Caprylyl Methicone), F1046, F1056, F1057 Viscosity reduction, organic phase compatibilizers, gloss enhancers
High-Viscosity Dimethicones & Gums F1006 series (60,000-1,000,000 cSt), F10161, F1047 2-in-1 shampoos, intensive hair conditioning serums
Silicone Elastomer Gels G700, G700B, G701A, G703B, G700-P3 Matte skin feel, W/O rheology modification
MQ Silicone Resin Film-Formers A202, A203, A203B, A2024 Long-wear color cosmetics, transfer-proof lipsticks, sunscreen fixatives
Silicone Emulsifiers E1011, E1035, E1036 W/O and W/Si emulsions, cushion compacts
Water-Soluble & Specialty Silicones F1039 (PEG-12 Dimethicone), F1230 (Carbinol-functional), F2012 (Aminophenyl) Shampoo systems, pigment dispersion
Solid & Wax-Form Silicones W340-25 (Silicone Wax), W341, PMSQ Powder, W330 Lipstick structuring, high-gloss lacquers, soft-focus powder foundations

For the complete cross-reference table or equivalents, please contact our sales team.

2 Which international brand equivalents can Manta grades replace?

We maintain a comprehensive competitive cross-reference library. Key equivalencies include:

  • E1011 ≈ Evonik ABIL EM 90 (Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone)
  • E1035 ≈ Shin-Etsu KF-6038 (Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone)
  • E1036 ≈ Shin-Etsu KF-6017 / Dow ES-5612 (PEG-10 Dimethicone)
  • A203 ≈ Trimethylsiloxysilicate (MQ Resin) pre-dissolved in Cyclopentasiloxane
  • G700 ≈ Dow EL-8040 / Dow 9041 Silicone Elastomer Blend
  • F1006 1.5 cSt = Globally compliant D5 replacement (Decamethyltetrasiloxane; INCI: Dimethicone)
If you are currently using a specific competitor grade, please share the product name or INCI. Our technical team will provide a side-by-side TDS comparison and arrange samples for benchmarking evaluation.
3 Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is now restricted by the EU -- what are the compliant alternatives?

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as amended, D4 and D5 are restricted to ≤0.1% (w/w) in rinse-off cosmetic products. We recommend the following drop-in alternatives:

F1006-1.5 cSt -- Decamethyltetrasiloxane (INCI: Dimethicone)

Closest match to D5 in evaporation rate and sensory profile; globally compliant and the most direct replacement.

F1043 -- Methyl Trimethicone (INCI: Methyl Trimethicone)

Preferred for ultra-fast-dry systems requiring rapid flash-off.

F1042 / F1042A -- Caprylyl-modified Silicones (INCI: Caprylyl Methicone)

Ideal where compatibility with high-polarity organic esters and natural oils is required.

F1048 / F1049 -- D5/D6 blend or pure D6 (INCI: Cyclohexasiloxane)

For formulations requiring a longer spreading residence time before full evaporation.

We can provide samples and formulation migration support for any of the above. Please contact our technical team with your current formula baseline.

4 How do I select the right silicone elastomer gel from the G-series?

The optimal grade depends primarily on the carrier volatile profile, non-volatile silicone content, and processing temperature:

Grade Carrier NV Content Recommended Use Case
G700 Cyclopentasiloxane (D5, volatile) ~14% Matte finish; cold-process / room-temperature manufacturing
G701A D5 + Dimethicone (mixed) ~25% Matte-to-satin feel with residual emolliency
G700B Dimethicone (non-volatile) ~70% W/O system thickening; long-lasting skin-feel film
G703B Dimethicone (non-volatile) ~70% Hot-fill / high-temperature processing; thermally stable
G700-P3 Cyclopentasiloxane (volatile) ~25% Higher elastomer loading; enhanced sebum control and oil absorption

Please share your target product format, processing conditions, and desired skin feel for a specific recommendation.

5 What are the differences between the MQ silicone resin film-formers (A202, A203, A203B, A2024)?

All four are based on Trimethylsiloxysilicate (MQ Resin) chemistry but differ significantly in physical form, carrier solvent, and film-flexibility profile:

Grade Physical Form Carrier Film Characteristics Primary Use Case
A202 Solid powder None (requires pre-dissolution) Rigid, high-crosslink-density; maximum transfer resistance R&D / solvent-flexible applications
A203 Ready-to-use liquid Cyclopentasiloxane (volatile) Rapid film formation post-evaporation; high gloss Transfer-proof lipsticks, waterproof mascaras
A203B Ready-to-use liquid Dimethicone (non-volatile) Flexible, non-tightening film; softer hand BB cushions, liquid foundations, hybrid emulsions
A2024 Solid powder (aromatic solvent-free) None (requires pre-dissolution) MQ-T propyl hybrid; significantly more flexible than A202; no cracking Long-wear liquid lipsticks, high-SPF sunscreens
Note: A202 requires dissolution at 80-100°C in volatile cyclic silicones, low-viscosity dimethicones, or non-aromatic organic solvents. A2024 dissolves at 60-80°C and is recommended for formulations targeting aromatic solvent-free COSMOS-adjacent profiles.
6 What is the difference between amino silicone F1031 and F2012?
F1031 INCI: Bis-aminopropyl Dimethicone

A telechelic amino silicone with reactive amine groups located exclusively at the polymer chain terminals. Delivers targeted adsorption to negatively charged, damage-exposed sites on the hair cuticle without cumulative build-up risk.

  • Ammonia value: 0.06 mmol/g
  • Excellent yellowing resistance
  • Recommended for platinum blonde, bleached, and color-treated hair
F2012 Aminophenyl Silicone

A bifunctional amino + phenyl silicone combining substantive conditioning with high refractive index (>1.50) and UV-screening contribution of phenyl substituents.

  • Superior wet/dry combability
  • Exceptional optical gloss and luminosity
  • Ideal for premium hair serums and glossing treatments

Orders & Commercial Terms

MOQ, pricing, packaging, payment, OEM/private-label

7 How do I place an order or request a quotation?

Submit your inquiry to sales@mantasil.com with the following details:

  • Product code(s)
  • Quantity
  • Intended application
  • Shipping destination
Response Time
Within 1 business day
Business Hours
Mon-Fri, 08:30-17:30 CST (UTC+8)

For time-sensitive requests, please mark the email subject line URGENT.

8 What are your minimum order quantities (MOQ)?
Standard Catalog Products

Typically the smallest standard commercial pack size (pail or drum).

Custom Grades or Low-Volume Specialty Products

Higher MOQ applies; please confirm with your sales representative.

Mixed orders combining multiple product lines into a single shipment are welcome.

9 What packaging formats are available?
Pack Type Net Weight Typical Products
Plastic Pail 15-25 kg Most liquid silicone fluids and elastomer gels
Steel Drum 180-200 kg Volatile silicones, high-viscosity dimethicones
IBC Tote 750-1,000 kg High-volume commodity grades
Paper Drum / Bag 25 kg Solid MQ resin powders (A202, A2024, PMSQ)

OEM / private-label packaging is available upon request. Refer to the individual product TDS for grade-specific packaging.

10 How is pricing determined?

Pricing is volume-tiered and depends on product grade, order quantity, and shipping destination. All quotations are denominated in USD.

A formal price offer will be issued within 24 business hours of inquiry receipt.

11 What payment terms do you accept?
T/T (Wire Transfer)

30% deposit upon order confirmation; 70% balance prior to shipment.

L/C at Sight

Available for orders exceeding USD 30,000.

Net 30

Available to established customers following credit review.

PayPal

Accepted for sample orders below USD 500.

All prices are quoted in USD unless otherwise agreed in writing.

12 Do you accept OEM / private-label orders?

Yes. To initiate the process, please provide:

  • Brand name and vector logo artwork (AI, EPS, or PDF format)
  • Required label language(s)
  • Applicable regulatory labeling requirements for your target market
  • Target order volume and required delivery date

A one-time label design and tooling setup fee applies. MOQ for private-label orders is generally higher than standard catalog products.

Samples

How to request, charges, documentation included

13 How do I request samples?

Send your sample request to sales@mantasil.com, including:

  • Product code(s) of interest (competitor grade references are helpful for benchmarking)
  • Intended application or formulation type
  • Quantity required
  • Full shipping address with recipient contact information
Standard Catalog
Dispatched within 3 business days
Custom / R&D Samples
1-3 weeks depending on complexity
14 Are samples free of charge?

Standard product samples and custom-formulated samples are charged at standard pricing. Sample costs may be credited toward a subsequent commercial order -- please confirm this arrangement with your sales representative at the time of request.

Shipping costs are generally borne by the customer. We can ship on your FedEx, DHL, or UPS account, or prepay freight and invoice at actual cost.
15 What documentation is included with samples?

Every sample shipment includes:

Certificate of Analysis (CoA) -- batch-specific
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) -- GHS format
REACH / TSCA compliance declaration (where applicable)

If third-party analytical verification is required, we can arrange this at cost. Please discuss with your sales representative prior to dispatch.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

Performance issues, documentation, COSMOS compatibility

16 What should I do if a product does not perform as expected in my formulation?

Please contact us immediately and provide the following:

  • Batch number and corresponding CoA
  • Formulation details (to the extent you are able to share)
  • Description of the observed performance deviation
  • Test conditions, equipment, and any reference benchmarks used
Important Note

Final formulation performance depends on multiple variables including dosage level, mixing conditions and shear history, substrate type, cure or drying conditions, and ambient temperature and humidity. We strongly encourage early engagement with our application engineers during your formulation development phase.

17 What regulatory documentation do you provide?

The following documents are provided with all commercial shipments (and upon request for samples):

Batch-specific CoA, TDS, and SDS (GHS format)
Certificate of Origin
Commercial invoice and packing list
SDS translation into target market language (on request)
18 Are your products compatible with COSMOS or natural/organic certification schemes?

Silicone-based raw materials are generally excluded from the COSMOS Organic certified ingredient list. However, certain grades may be incorporated within the COSMOS Natural framework:

F1039 (PEG-12 Dimethicone) -- COSMOS Natural compatible

May be incorporated under the permitted non-organic natural ingredient category, subject to applicable usage limits defined in the COSMOS standard.

If your formulation is targeting a specific certification scheme (COSMOS, NATRUE, Ecocert, etc.), please indicate this in your inquiry. We will provide the relevant ingredient declarations and attestation letters for submission to your certifying body.

Technical Support & Formulation Services

Application engineering, troubleshooting, facility visits

19 What technical support do you offer?

Our application engineering team provides complimentary support in three areas for active customers and qualified prospects:

1
Product Selection

Based on your formulation system, processing conditions, and target performance, we will recommend 1-3 candidate grades with comparative TDS data and arrange samples.

2
Formulation Troubleshooting

Guidance on emulsion instability, unexpected rheological behavior, poor film formation, pigment flocculation, incompatibility between oil-phase components, and other formulation challenges.

3
Competitive Substitution

Grade-mapping and comparative technical data for replacement of materials from Wacker, Dow, Shin-Etsu, Evonik, Momentive.

To help us provide the most targeted recommendation, please share: base polymer or emulsion type, oil-phase composition, processing temperature profile, current reference products in use, and target market regulatory constraints (e.g., cyclic silicone restrictions, VOC limits, PFAS-free requirements).

20 Can I visit your facility or conduct a supplier audit?

Yes, we welcome customer visits to our Nanjing headquarters and manufacturing site. Please contact your sales representative at least 2 weeks in advance with:

  • Visitor passport details (required for the visa invitation letter)
  • Preferred dates
  • Audit or meeting agenda (e.g., technical review, quality system audit, production line walkthrough)

We can assist with visa invitation letters, local hotel arrangements, and airport transfers.

Alternatively, you can meet our team at major industry events including In-Cosmetics Global, In-Cosmetics Asia, and PCHi (Personal Care & Homecare Ingredients, Guangzhou).

Shipping & Logistics

Dispatch methods, dangerous goods, lead times, transit

21 How are samples and commercial shipments dispatched?

We ship via FedEx, DHL, and UPS in full compliance with applicable international goods transport regulations.

Dangerous Goods-Classified Products

Products such as F1006-0.65 cSt (flash point −1°C) and certain reactive silanes require UN-specification packaging, proper DG declaration, and shipper's certification. This may add 2-5 business days to dispatch lead time and incur additional DG handling surcharges.

Non-Hazardous Products

Ship on standard courier timelines. All shipments include GHS-compliant labeling, traceable batch number, CoA for the supplied lot, and SDS.

If you prefer to use your own courier account (FedEx, DHL, or UPS), please provide the account number when placing your order.

22 What are your production lead times and delivery timelines?
Production Lead Time
Standard catalog products 7-14 working days
Custom / specialty grades 2-4 weeks
Transit Time After Production
Air freight 3-7 days
Sea freight 25-45 days

Mixed orders consolidating multiple product lines in a single shipment are accepted. Please contact sales with your target quantities for a specific lead-time commitment.