Polysilicone-38
A cosmetic ingredient used as surfactant - emulsifying, hair conditioning, hair fixing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Polysilicone-38 is a siloxane polymer that is made is several steps. First, Cyclotetrasiloxane is polymerized with Bis-Hydrogen Disiloxane, reacted to produce Bis-Hydrogen Dimethicone, which is reacted with PEG-48 diallyl ether and allyl glycidyl ether. Finally, the siloxane polymer is reacted with is capped with and Diisopropanolamine
What does it do?
Polysilicone-38 is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
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Hair conditioning
improves the appearance, feel, and manageability of hair
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Hair fixing
holds hair in a desired style, typically through a flexible film coating each strand
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Hair waving or straightening
permanently changes the shape of hair through chemical reduction and re-oxidation of the hair's disulfide bonds
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Surfactant
lowers surface tension, allowing oil and water to mix — the cleansing core of soaps and shampoos
EU regulatory status
Polysilicone-38 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Polysilicone-38?
Polysilicone-38 is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Polysilicone-38 is a siloxane polymer that is made is several steps. First, Cyclotetrasiloxane is polymerized with Bis-Hydrogen Disiloxane, reacted to produce Bis-Hydrogen Dimethicone, which is reacted with PEG-48 diallyl ether and allyl glycidyl ether. Finally, the siloxane polymer is reacted with is capped with and Diisopropanolamine
Is Polysilicone-38 allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Polysilicone-38 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Polysilicone-38 do in cosmetic products?
Polysilicone-38 is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: surfactant - emulsifying, hair conditioning, hair fixing, hair waving or straightening, surfactant.
What is the CAS number of Polysilicone-38?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Polysilicone-38 is 2991823-77-7.
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Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 14/08/2024