Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer is an inorganic chemical compound, a Dimethicone by-product.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Divinyldimethicone indicates the presence of vinyl groups in the silicone polymer, which can improve the strength and flexibility of the final product.
• Dimethicone is a type of silicone known for its emollient and film-forming properties, which help to retain moisture and protect the skin and hair.

Raw Materials and Their Functions

Divinyldimethicone. A monomer containing vinyl groups, used to provide reactive sites for polymerization. This monomer is essential for forming the crosslinked structure of the copolymer.

Dimethicone. As above.. A silicone polymer used as the base for the formation of the copolymer. It provides the typical softness and slipperiness properties of silicones.

Catalyst. Used to facilitate the polymerization reaction between divinyldimethicone and dimethicone.

Industrial Chemical Synthesis of Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer

• Preparation. The synthesis begins with mixing divinyldimethicone and dimethicone in the presence of a catalyst.
• Polymerization. The monomers react together under the influence of the catalyst, forming a crosslinked structure that constitutes the copolymer.
• Reaction Control. The reaction is monitored to ensure that the polymerization occurs correctly and that the copolymer has the desired properties.
• Purification. After polymerization, the copolymer is purified to remove impurities and by-products.
• Quality Control. The divinyldimethicone/dimethicone copolymer undergoes quality checks

Form and Color

Typically appears as a viscous, clear liquid.

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.

Commercial applications:

Cosmetics Industry. This copolymer is commonly used in hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments. It is valued for its ability to improve hair texture and manageability.

Skin Care. Sometimes also used in skin care products, like creams and lotions, for its emollient and film-forming properties.

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.