Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a silicone resin, a siloxane-based compound consisting of silicon atoms (Si) bonded to methyl groups (CH₃) and silicate groups (SiO_3-).

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a type of silicone derivative.
• Trimethyl indicates that there are three methyl groups (CH₃) attached to the molecule.
• Siloxysilicate suggests the presence of siloxane (Si-O-Si) bonds and silicate structures in the molecule. Siloxanes are a type of silicone compound characterized by alternating silicon and oxygen atoms.

Description of the raw materials used in its production:

• Trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) - Trimethylchlorosilane is a key raw material used in the synthesis of trimethylsiloxysilicate. It serves as a source of the trimethylsilyl (-Si(CH₃)₃) functional group in the compound.
• Silicate precursors - Silicate precursors, such as tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) or tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS), may be used as reactants to provide the silicate groups (SiO_3-) in the trimethylsiloxysilicate molecule.

Summary of the industrial synthesis process step-by-step:

• Preparation of trimethylsiloxane - Trimethylsiloxane is prepared by reacting trimethylchlorosilane with water (H2O) or an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, such as an acid or a base. This reaction leads to the formation of a silanol (-Si-OH) group.
• Condensation reaction - The silanol groups in the trimethylsiloxane undergo a condensation reaction, either by self-condensation or in the presence of silicate precursors. This reaction results in the formation of siloxane bonds (Si-O-Si) and the release of water molecules.
• Addition of crosslinkers - Crosslinkers, such as tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS), may be added to the reaction mixture to introduce additional silicate groups and promote crosslinking within the trimethylsiloxysilicate molecule.
• Polymerization - The reaction mixture is allowed to undergo further polymerization, resulting in the formation of a polymeric network of trimethylsiloxysilicate.
• Purification - The synthesized trimethylsiloxysilicate is purified to remove any impurities or by-products through processes such as filtration or distillation.
• Characterization - The purified trimethylsiloxysilicate is characterized using various analytical techniques to confirm its identity, purity, and desired properties.
• Incorporation into products - The trimethylsiloxysilicate is incorporated into various formulations, such as cosmetics or coatings, where its adhesive and film-forming properties are utilized.
• Packaging and distribution - The final product, containing trimethylsiloxysilicate, is packaged and distributed for use in various industries.

It appears in the form of a white powder insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, toluene, xylene, hexamethyldisiloxane, cyclosiloxane, and low-viscosity silicone oil.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Antifoaming agent. The constituent factors for foam stabilisation are the concentration of nanoparticles and hydrophobicity. Foam, even when used in separation operations such as fractionation or flotation, can cause a decrease in density and a deterioration in quality in cosmetic products.  The defoaming agent (non-polar oil, silicone oils, hydrophobic solid particles or mixtures of both) is strongly influenced by viscosity and, to an almost directly proportional extent, concentration. However, defoamers can carry an irreversible source of contamination.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Provides a flexible surface film for many skin care products. Excellent water repellent resistant to washing detergent used in facial products, skin, sunscreen, creams, lotions.

Dosage: 

• Skin care (face, body): 2% - 4%
• Colour cosmetics (lipsticks, lip glosses, eyeliners, BB creams): 11% -14%.
• Hair care: 2% - 10%.
• Deodorants and antiperspirants: 3% - 10%.
• Sun protection: 1% -5%.

Use: premix with a solvent, such as cyclopentasiloxane or low-viscosity silicone oil, then add the premix to the oily phase.

Safety

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated the safety of Trimethylsiloxysilicate and found it to be safe in current use practices and at the concentrations described in the safety assessment when formulated and delivered in the final product to be non-irritating or sensitizing to the respiratory tract (1).

The most relevant studies on this ingredient have been selected with a summary of their contents:

Trimethylsiloxysilicate studies

Typical commercial product characteristics Trimethylsioxysilicate 

• Molecular Formula     C₃H₁₂O₄Si₂
• Molecular Weight      168.30
• Exact Mass    150.28100
• CAS  56275-01-5
• UNII    OU6EUR7UAY
• EC Number   213-997-4
• DSSTox Substance ID  DTXSID9044958
• IUPAC  trihydroxy(trimethylsilyloxy)silane
• InChl=1S/C3H12O4Si2/c1-8(2,3)7-9(4,5)6/h4-6H,1-3H3
• InChl Key      MNTALGTVSQTALQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES  C[Si](C)(C)O[Si](O)(O)O
• MDL number  
• PubChem Substance ID    
• ChEBI  
• RXCUI    1426677

Synonyms:

• trimethylsilyl silicate
• trihydroxy(trimethylsilyloxy)silane
• Silicicacid,trimethylsilylester
• Silicic acid, trimethylsilyl ester
• Hydrolysisproductoftrimethylchlorosilane-ethylsilicateandwater
• MQresin
• MQ Resin

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D., ... & Andersen, F. A. (2013). Safety assessment of silylates and surface-modified siloxysilicates. International journal of toxicology, 32(3_suppl), 5S-24S.