Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is an inorganic chemical compound, a Dimethicone by-product.

Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a hybrid silicone ingredient used in cosmetics and personal care products. It combines the properties of silicones and silanes, offering excellent conditioning, film-forming, and water-resistant properties. This ingredient is commonly found in skin care, hair care, and makeup products, where it enhances product performance by improving spreadability, providing long-lasting effects, and forming a protective barrier on the skin or hair.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a complex silicone polymer composed of dimethicone (a well-known silicone polymer) modified with triethoxysilylethyl groups. The combination of these structures creates a molecule that possesses both silicone’s smooth, conditioning properties and silane’s ability to bond with surfaces and form a long-lasting film. This dual functionality allows it to improve water resistance, adhesion, and durability in cosmetic formulations.

Physical Properties
This ingredient is typically a liquid or viscous gel that is highly soluble in oils and other silicone-based formulations. It forms a smooth, flexible, and water-repellent film when applied to the skin or hair, providing a long-lasting protective barrier. It is non-greasy and enhances the silky texture and spreadability of cosmetic products.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Triethoxysilylethyl indicates the presence of a triethoxysilyl group attached to an ethyl group. These groups are known for enhancing adhesion and durability in the products they are incorporated into.
• Polydimethylsiloxyethyl refers to a silicone polymer chain with dimethylsiloxane and ethyl groups. These silicone polymers are widely used in cosmetics for their film-forming properties, water resistance, and silky feel on the skin.
• Dimethicone is a type of silicone commonly used in skin and hair care products. It acts as a conditioning agent, providing a smooth, silky feel and helping to retain moisture.

Production Process
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is synthesized through a series of chemical reactions that attach triethoxysilylethyl groups to the polydimethylsiloxyethyl backbone. This creates a hybrid silicone-silane compound that combines the benefits of both types of molecules, resulting in enhanced performance in personal care formulations. 

Raw Materials Used in the Production

Raw Materials - This compound is produced from silicone precursors like dimethylpolysiloxane and silylating agents such as triethoxysilane

Functions of Raw Materials

• Dimethylpolysiloxane - Provides the basic silicone structure
• Silylating Agents - Used to modify the silicone structure and introduce specific functional groups

Industrial Chemical Synthesis Process

• Preparation - Silicone precursors and silylating agents are prepared and purified
• Reaction - A series of silylation and polymerization reactions take place to form the desired structure
• Modification - Specific functional groups are introduced to achieve desired properties
• Purification - The product is purified to remove impurities

It appears as a transparent viscous liquid.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

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.

Health and Safety Considerations

Skin Safety
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. It is well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, and is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization when used in appropriate concentrations.

Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to this ingredient are uncommon. However, as with any cosmetic ingredient, individuals with extremely sensitive skin or known allergies to silicones should test products containing this compound before regular use.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
There is no evidence to suggest that Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is toxic or carcinogenic. It has undergone extensive safety testing and is regarded as safe for use in personal care products by regulatory bodies such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).

Environmental and Safety Considerations
Silicone-based ingredients like Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone are generally considered to have a low environmental impact, although they are not easily biodegradable. Manufacturers are encouraged to follow proper environmental guidelines for production and disposal to minimize any potential impact on ecosystems.

Regulatory Status
Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is approved for use in cosmetic products in many regions, including the European Union, the United States, and other international markets. Its use is regulated to ensure it meets safety standards for personal care applications.

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.