What Is Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer?
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone elastomer created when liquid dimethicone chains are chemically linked together with special vinyl-bearing dimethicone units. The linking reaction, called hydrosilylation, turns the once-fluid silicones into a soft powder or gel network that feels silky and cushiony on skin. Silicones of this type first gained popularity in the mid-1990s, when cosmetic chemists were looking for ingredients that could blur fine lines and give makeup a smoother glide. Large suppliers such as Dow Corning and Momentive developed the technology, and it quickly became a staple in face primers and high-end skincare.
Production starts with two key building blocks: Hydrogen Dimethicone (or Bis-Hydrogen Dimethicone) and Vinyl Dimethicone (or Bis-Vinyl Dimethicone). Under heat and a platinum catalyst, the hydrogen atoms on one block react with the vinyl groups on the other, creating a three-dimensional mesh. The finished crosspolymer can be left as a dry powder or swollen in lightweight silicones like cyclopentasiloxane to form a gel.
You will most often spot Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer in face primers, liquid foundations, BB and CC creams, tinted moisturizers, mattifying serums, anti-aging lotions, sheet masks, sunscreens, under-eye products and even some hair smoothing creams. Its versatility makes it popular in both luxury and mass-market formulas.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in formulas thanks to the roles listed below.
- Skin conditioning – forms a breathable film that leaves skin feeling velvety, fills in tiny gaps for a soft-focus effect and helps lock in moisture without a greasy residue
- Viscosity controlling – thickens oils and silicones into elegant gels so products spread evenly, stay in place and feel lightweight on the skin
Who Can Use Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
This silicone elastomer is generally suited to all skin types. Oily or combination skin benefits from its lightweight blurring feel that does not add grease. Dry or mature skin enjoys the soft cushiony finish that helps reduce moisture loss. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because it is inert and non-reactive; however, anyone with a confirmed silicone allergy should avoid it.
The material is fully synthetic with no animal-derived components so it is compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Ingredient sourcing policies differ by brand though, so strict vegans may still wish to confirm that the finished product and its raw materials were not tested on animals.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is considered low risk for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding because it sits on the skin surface and has negligible absorption. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skincare products with a healthcare provider to be certain they meet personal health needs.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it has no known interactions with common actives such as retinoids or acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer vary by individual. The points below outline potential side effects, yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or itching in those who are reactive to silicones
- Temporary pore congestion if heavy silicone layers are not cleansed thoroughly, especially on very acne-prone skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as localized rash or bumps
- Stinging or watering if the product migrates into the eyes
If any negative reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer sits on the surface because its molecules are large and inert, so it is unlikely to clog pores on its own. The low rating reflects that some people may experience congestion if several heavy silicone layers are applied without proper cleansing, but the ingredient itself has minimal pore-blocking potential.
Acne-prone suitability: generally safe for skin that breaks out easily, provided the overall formula is lightweight and skin is cleansed well at the end of the day.
Formula context matters: pairing this elastomer with rich oils or waxes can raise the comedogenic risk, whereas using it in sheer primers or serums keeps the rating low.
Summary
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer conditions skin and controls viscosity by forming a silky mesh that fills micro-gaps, locks in moisture and transforms thin oils into plush gels. This dual action creates smoother glide, soft-focus blurring and comfortable wear in everything from primers to sunscreens.
Its cushioning feel and ease of formulating have made it a staple in modern makeup bases and skincare though it is less talked about than buzzier actives like niacinamide or peptides.
Safety profiles rate it as low risk for irritation or allergy, with negligible absorption and a near noncomedogenic nature. As with any cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test new products to confirm personal compatibility.