What Is Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Lauryl/Behenyl Dimethicone?
Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Lauryl/Behenyl Dimethicone is a hybrid silicone made by joining traditional dimethicone with a small group of fluorinated carbon chains. This pairing gives the material the silky slip of silicone along with the water-repelling talent of fluorocarbons. The raw components are reacted in controlled lab settings, where the dimethicone backbone is modified step by step to attach the perfluorononylethyl and carboxydecyl groups plus lauryl and behenyl side chains. The finished ingredient is a clear, lightweight fluid that spreads easily on skin.
Silicones have been beauty staples since the 1950s for their smooth feel and protective finish. Chemists started adding fluorinated sections in the late 1990s to boost wear time and resistance to sweat or sebum. Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Lauryl/Behenyl Dimethicone grew out of this research and found its first commercial use in long-lasting makeup and sunscreens in the early 2000s.
You will spot this ingredient in primers, foundations, color-stay lip products, high-performance sunscreens, moisturizers aimed at very dry skin, anti-aging serums and overnight masks. Formulators like it because it forms a breathable film that helps other actives stay put while giving skin a soft, velvety finish.
Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Lauryl/Behenyl Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued mainly for one core job in skincare and makeup formulations.
Skin conditioning: It coats the surface of the skin with a light, flexible layer that reduces moisture loss, smooths rough patches and delivers an instant silky feel. This film also helps blur fine lines, improves spreadability of other ingredients and enhances overall wear resistance of the product.
Who Can Use Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Lauryl/Behenyl Dimethicone
This silicone-fluorocarbon blend works for most skin types. Dry and mature skin often benefit the most because the ingredient slows water loss and leaves a soft finish. Normal and combination skin usually tolerate it well. Very oily or acne-prone skin can also use it although some people who dislike any occlusive feel may prefer lighter textures.
The material is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived components so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Formulators sometimes blend it with waxes or pigments that may not be vegan so anyone following a strict lifestyle should still scan the complete ingredient list.
Current safety data show no issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is applied to intact skin. Its large molecules stay mainly on the surface rather than entering the bloodstream. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare routine past a doctor to be safe.
Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Lauryl/Behenyl Dimethicone does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and will not interfere with SPF. In some formulas it can even boost water resistance so sunscreen stays put longer.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Lauryl/Behenyl Dimethicone vary from person to person. The points below cover uncommon outcomes; most people experience none of these when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild redness or itching if you are sensitive to silicones
- Temporary clogged pores in individuals who are highly prone to congestion
- Very rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by persistent rash or swelling
- Product buildup on the skin that can make makeup appear patchy if not removed thoroughly
If you experience any of these issues stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
The molecule is too large and slippery to wedge into pores so it tends to sit on top of the skin rather than block follicles. Its light, breathable film lets water vapor escape which further lowers the chance of congestion. A score of 1 reflects this low risk while acknowledging that any film former can trap existing oil or debris if cleansing is inadequate.
For most people who are prone to acne it is generally considered safe, provided the rest of the formula is also low clogging and makeup is removed thoroughly.
Keep in mind that comedogenicity can rise if the ingredient is blended with heavy waxes or high levels of mineral oil so the full product context matters.
Summary
Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Lauryl/Behenyl Dimethicone is a hybrid silicone that conditions skin by laying down a thin flexible film that smooths texture, locks in moisture and boosts the longevity of makeup or sunscreen. The fluorinated side chains add extra water and oil resistance so the finish stays velvety for longer wear.
It is not as common as plain dimethicone but has carved out a steady niche in long-wear foundations, primers and high protection sunscreens where its staying power is prized.
Current safety data show it to be very low risk thanks to its large non-reactive structure that stays on the surface of the skin. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to do a small patch test when trying a product that contains it just to be safe.