Silica Dimethyl Silylate (Silica Dimethyl Silylate): The Ultimate Oil Thickener & Suspending Agent
Silica Dimethyl Silylate is a specialized, hydrophobic fumed silica designed to modify the viscosity of oil-based formulations. Unlike standard silica, this unique ingredient is treated to love oil and repel water, making it an essential tool for creating stable oil gels, suspending pigments in liquid formulas, and adding water-resistance to balms. It acts as a lightweight, texturizing powder that enhances the stability and feel of your creations without whitening the final product.
Key Features & Benefits
- Oil Gelling & Thickening: It effectively thickens oils and polyols, capable of transforming liquid oils (like Castor or Mineral oil) into stable, transparent gels.
- Superior Suspension: Acts as a powerful suspending agent, preventing heavy particles like glitters, micas, and pigments from settling in lip glosses and body oils.
- Water Resistance: Its hydrophobic nature adds water-resistance to sunscreens and balms, helping products stay on the skin longer.
- Bulking & Texturizing: Adds volume and "grip" to dry shampoos and powder products, acting as an excellent bulking agent.
- Mattifying: Helps reduce the greasy feel of oils and butters, leaving a velvety, non-oily finish on the skin.
Ingredients & Technical Specifications
- Ingredients (Common Name): Silica Dimethyl Silylate
- Ingredients (INCI Name): Silica Dimethyl Silylate
- CAS Number: 68611-44-9
- Appearance: Fluffy, loose, white to greyish odorless powder
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; Dispersible in oils
- Country of Origin: USA and France
- Raw Material Source: Fumed silica modified with trimethylsilyl groups
- Suggested Uses: Lip gloss, Lipstick, Body Oils, Dry Shampoos, Cream Foundations, Sunscreens.
Recommended Usage
- Usage Rate: 0.1% to 30%, depending on the formulation.
- For thickening/suspending: 1% – 15% is typically effective.
- For oil-gel formation: Usually occurs upon addition of 5% – 10%.
- How to Use: Add Silica Dimethyl Silylate to the oil phase of your formulation. It can be processed hot or cold. Stir well to disperse.
- Formulation Tip: This powder is extremely light. We recommend mixing it into a small amount of oil first to create a paste before adding it to the rest of your batch to avoid clumping.
Silica Dimethyl Silylate vs. Silica Microspheres
While both ingredients are derived from silica, they serve very different purposes in your formulation:
- Silica Dimethyl Silylate: This is a fumed silica. Its primary job is thickening oils and suspending pigments. It creates structure and viscosity.
- Silica Microspheres: This is a spherical silica. Its primary job is texture and slip (the "ball-bearing" effect). It offers oil absorption and a "soft-focus" finish but does not thicken or gel oils significantly.
Storage
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place at room temperature. This product is hygroscopic and extremely lightweight; ensure the seal is tight to prevent moisture absorption and product loss.
Safety Guidelines
Silica Dimethyl Silylate is safe for external use in cosmetic formulations. It is not meant for internal consumption.
- Handling Warning: Due to its fine particle size and low density, avoid breathing in the dust. We recommend wearing a dust mask and working in a well-ventilated area when handling this raw material.
- As with any cosmetic ingredient, individuals who are pregnant or under medical care should consult a healthcare provider before use.
