Bis-Carboxydecyl Dimethicone is an inorganic chemical compound, a Dimethicone by-product.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Bis-Carboxydecyl refers to a molecular structure that contains two carboxylic groups attached to a decyl chain (a carbon chain with ten atoms). These groups impart hydrophilic properties to the molecule, enhancing its solubility in water or other polar solvents.
• Dimethicone is a type of silicone commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is known for its emollient and conditioning properties, creating a protective barrier on the skin or hair and retaining moisture.

Raw Materials Used in Production.

Bis-Carboxydecyl Dimethicone is a functional silicone compound, derived from combining long-chain carboxylic acid chains (with ten carbon atoms) and dimethicone, a form of silicone.

Step-by-step Summary of Industrial Production Process.

• Synthesis of dimethicone, a silicone polymer, through controlled polymerization processes.
• Reaction of dimethicone with long-chain carboxylic acid to form Bis-Carboxydecyl Dimethicone.
• Purification of the product to remove any impurities and reaction by-products.
• Quality control to verify purity and adherence to technical specifications.

Form and Color.

Bis-Carboxydecyl Dimethicone typically appears as a viscous liquid, colorless or pale yellow in color.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

Hair conditioning agent. A large number of ingredients with specific purposes can co-exist in a hair shampoo: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, mattifying agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersing agents that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioners includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by 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.

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.

Commercial Applications.

Used in cosmetic formulations and skincare products, particularly for its conditioning properties, emollience, and ability to form a protective film on the skin. It can also enhance the stability and performance of other active substances in cosmetic products.

Safety

Dimethicone ((polydimethylsiloxane) is a chemical compound, a high molecular weight polymer derived from silicone, a chemically inert mixture of linear methylated siloxane polymers. The term 'dimeth' denotes two methyl groups bonded to the silicone molecule that provide the formation of dimethicone. It possesses a pronounced viscoelasticity characteristic and is hydrophobic, thus adding shine and slipperiness when applied to hair or skin. It forms a kind of barrier that prevents exogenous substances from entering the stratum corneum and at the same time prevents water loss. It is also UV-resistant, non-greasy and cost-effective. At low concentrations it is considered by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to be a skin protector with a good degree of safety.

It is therefore considered safe when formulated to be non-irritating in cosmetic products as, given its high molecular weight, it is poorly absorbed by the skin or scalp.