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
1
What personal care silicone products does Manta offer, and which formulation types are they suited for?
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)
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:
Closest match to D5 in evaporation rate and sensory profile; globally compliant and the most direct replacement.
Preferred for ultra-fast-dry systems requiring rapid flash-off.
Ideal where compatibility with high-polarity organic esters and natural oils is required.
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 |
6
What is the difference between amino silicone F1031 and F2012?
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
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
For time-sensitive requests, please mark the email subject line URGENT.
8
What are your minimum order quantities (MOQ)?
Typically the smallest standard commercial pack size (pail or drum).
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?
30% deposit upon order confirmation; 70% balance prior to shipment.
Available for orders exceeding USD 30,000.
Available to established customers following credit review.
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
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.
15
What documentation is included with samples?
Every sample shipment includes:
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
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):
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:
May be incorporated under the permitted non-organic natural ingredient category, subject to applicable usage limits defined in the COSMOS standard.
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:
Based on your formulation system, processing conditions, and target performance, we will recommend 1-3 candidate grades with comparative TDS data and arrange samples.
Guidance on emulsion instability, unexpected rheological behavior, poor film formation, pigment flocculation, incompatibility between oil-phase components, and other formulation challenges.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Still have a question?
Our technical and commercial team responds within 1 business day. For urgent inquiries, please mark your email subject line URGENT.