Silica Dimethyl Silylate is a surface-modified silica used as a functional cosmetic ingredient, particularly in formulations where viscosity control, absorbency, texture modification and suspension support are required. It is produced by modifying silica with dimethylsilyl groups, which changes the surface characteristics of the silica particles and gives the material a more hydrophobic character than untreated silica.
COSMILE Europe identifies Silica Dimethyl Silylate as a cosmetic ingredient with functions including absorbent, anticaking, bulking, opacifying and viscosity controlling. It is also used as a surface modifier.
Its surface-modified structure makes it particularly useful in anhydrous, oil-based and water-sensitive cosmetic formulations. The exact performance depends on the surface-treatment level, particle characteristics, specific surface area and formulation environment.
Silica Dimethyl Silylate is a chemically modified silica material in which the silica surface is treated with dimethylsilyl groups. This surface modification alters the interaction of the particles with water and oils compared with untreated silica.
It can contribute to:
COSMILE Europe lists surface modifier as one of its cosmetic functions in addition to absorbent, anticaking, bulking, opacifying and viscosity-controlling functions.
INCI Name: Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Chemical Name: Silica, dimethylsilyl derivative
Chemical Class: Surface-modified inorganic silica
Physical Form: Fine powder
Appearance: Typically white to off-white powder, depending on grade
Surface Character: Hydrophobic / organomodified silica
Origin: Synthetic inorganic material
Primary Functions: Absorbent, Anticaking, Bulking, Opacifying, Viscosity Controlling, Surface Modifier
Silica Dimethyl Silylate is associated with CAS No. 68611-70-1 in cosmetic ingredient references.
COSMILE Europe lists 68611-70-1 for Silica Dimethyl Silylate.
The major functional difference of Silica Dimethyl Silylate is its surface modification.
Dimethylsilyl groups attached to the silica surface reduce its affinity for water and alter its interaction with oils and other formulation components.
This makes it particularly relevant to:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate can modify viscosity and rheological behaviour in suitable formulations.
Its fine particles can interact with the continuous phase to create a structured system, helping modify:
COSMILE Europe recognizes viscosity controlling as one of its functions.
The actual effect depends on:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate can function as an absorbent in suitable cosmetic systems.
It can help modify the handling and sensory characteristics of formulations containing:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate is recognized as an anticaking ingredient.
It can help improve the flow characteristics of powder systems and reduce particle agglomeration.
Potential applications include:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate can function as a bulking agent, contributing to the physical structure and volume characteristics of formulations.
It can contribute to opacity by modifying the interaction of light with the particulate system.
COSMILE Europe identifies opacifying as one of its cosmetic functions.
Surface modification is an important characteristic of this ingredient.
Silica Dimethyl Silylate can be used where a formulation requires modified silica surface behaviour.
This is especially relevant when formulating with:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate can be particularly useful in anhydrous cosmetic systems.
Potential applications include:
Its rheological properties can help improve product consistency while maintaining the desired oil-phase structure.
It can be used in decorative cosmetics where viscosity, texture, absorption and powder/oil interaction are important.
Potential applications include:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate can also be considered for selected hair-styling and personal-care formulations where rheology and texture modification are required.
Potential applications include:
When formulating with Silica Dimethyl Silylate, formulators should evaluate:
Because surface-treated silica can strongly affect rheology, laboratory testing should be performed using the exact commercial grade.
Silica Dimethyl Silylate can be considered for:
Silica Dimethyl Silylate is a surface-modified silica cosmetic ingredient used primarily for absorbency, rheology/viscosity control, anticaking, bulking, opacification and surface modification.
The INCI name is Silica Dimethyl Silylate.
The commonly listed CAS number is 68611-70-1.
It is a surface-modified silica with hydrophobic characteristics, making it useful in suitable oil-based and anhydrous formulations.
It is used as an absorbent, anticaking agent, bulking agent, opacifier, viscosity controller and surface modifier.
Yes. It can be used in suitable makeup, pigment, lip and anhydrous cosmetic formulations.
No. Silica Dimethyl Silylate is surface-modified silica, whereas Fumed Silica generally refers to a pyrogenically produced silica material.
Yes. Viscosity controlling is one of its recognized cosmetic functions.
Yes. Its surface-modified characteristics make it particularly relevant to selected oil-based and anhydrous formulations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |