Volatile Silicones
9 grades
Manta volatile silicones include linear and cyclic silicone fluids designed as fast-spreading carriers for personal care formulations. The range covers Disiloxane, Trisiloxane, low-viscosity Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane and related volatile silicone blends. These materials provide rapid wetting, uniform application, reduced greasiness and a dry, smooth after-feel. They are used in antiperspirants, makeup primers, foundations, sunscreens, hair serums, skin care and quick-dry cosmetic products. Different grades vary in volatility, flash point, spreading rate and compatibility. Selection should be based on the desired evaporation profile, sensory effect, processing conditions and applicable regional regulatory requirements.
Grade Comparison
| Grade | INCI | Cyclic siloxane | Viscosity (cSt, 25 °C) | Flash point | Refractive index (25 °C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1006 0.65cSt | Disiloxane | None | 0.65-1.20 | −1 | 1.3730-1.3770 |
| F1006 1.5cSt | Dimethicone | None | 1.4-1.6 | 63 | 1.385-1.395 |
| F1006 1cSt | Trisiloxane | None | 0.9-1.10 | 29 | 1.3830-1.3850 |
| F1006 2.0cSt | Dimethicone | None | 1.8-2.2 | 80 | 1.390-1.410 |
| F1043 | Methyl Trimethicone | None | 1.25-1.75 | — | 1.3800-1.3900 |
| F1045 | Cyclopentasiloxane | D5 | 3.0-5.0 | — | 1.3850-1.4050 |
| F1048 | Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Cyclohexasiloxane | D5, D6 | 3.0-8.0 | — | 1.3900-1.4050 |
| F1049 | Cyclohexasiloxane | D6 | 4.0-8.0 | — | 1.3900-1.4050 |
| F10451 | Cyclotetrasiloxane (and) Cyclopentasiloxane | D4, D5 | 2.2 | — | 1.396 |
Typical properties from product TDS; not specification limits. D4, D5 and D6 are on the REACH SVHC candidate list as vPvB substances. Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 limits each to below 0.1% in leave-on cosmetic products placed on the EU market from 6 June 2027; D4 and D5 have been restricted in rinse-off products since 31 January 2020 under Regulation (EU) 2018/35. Cyclic siloxane content is stated per batch on request.
How to Choose
Viscosity is a proxy for evaporation rate
Within the linear series, the lower the viscosity the faster the flash-off. The 0.65 cSt grade leaves almost immediately and gives the driest break; the 2 cSt grade stays longer and gives more play time during application. Pick the step that matches how long the formula needs to be spreadable, then confirm by sensory panel.
Linear or cyclic is a market decision
F1045, F1048, F1049 and F10451 are cyclic carriers and fall under the EU restrictions set out below the table. The linear grades — F1006 at 0.65 to 2 cSt, F1043 (Methyl Trimethicone) and F1042 — are the alternatives available for markets where cyclic content is restricted. Spreading and sensory behaviour differ, so a carrier change is a reformulation, not a substitution.
Flash point decides how you can process it
The fastest-evaporating grades have low flash points and are handled as flammable liquids. Check the flash point against your filling line and your transport classification before you commit to a grade — this constraint eliminates candidates earlier than sensory testing does.
What a volatile carrier cannot do
A volatile silicone carries other materials and then leaves. It contributes nothing to the residual film, so it cannot deliver conditioning, water resistance or long wear on its own. Those properties come from whatever you dissolve in it.
All Volatile Silicones Grades
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F1045
Cyclopentasiloxane F1045
Cyclopentasiloxane
Contains cyclic siloxane: D5
View technical data → -
F1048
Cyclopentasiloxane and Cyclohexasiloxane F1048
Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Cyclohexasiloxane
Contains cyclic siloxane: D5, D6
View technical data → -
F10451
Cyclotetrasiloxane and Cyclopentasiloxane F10451
Cyclotetrasiloxane (and) Cyclopentasiloxane
Contains cyclic siloxane: D4, D5
View technical data →
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