What Is Polysilicone-23?
Polysilicone-23 is a modern silicone-based polymer created by linking Bis-Vinyldimethicone with Hydrogen Dimethicone in the presence of a specialty copolymer made from Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, PEG-2 Soyamine and IPDI. The result is a three-dimensional network that is flexible yet durable, forming a soft invisible film on skin or hair. Silicones entered cosmetics in the 1950s for their smooth finish and water resistance. Crosslinked versions like Polysilicone-23 were developed later to enhance those properties without leaving a heavy or greasy feel. Manufacture involves controlled addition of hydrogen atoms across vinyl groups, a process known as hydrosilylation, followed by curing to lock the matrix in place.
Thanks to its lightweight touch and strong film, Polysilicone-23 appears in leave-on conditioners, anti-aging serums, color cosmetics, long-wear foundations, sheet mask essences and water-resistant sunscreens. It is prized whenever formulators need a breathable seal that boosts texture, shine or moisture retention.
Polysilicone-23’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on Polysilicone-23 for several performance benefits that improve both product feel and visible results.
- Film Forming – creates a flexible protective layer that locks in hydration, enhances spreadability and improves wear time of makeup and sunscreen
- Hair Conditioning – smooths the cuticle so strands look shinier and feel softer while reducing static and frizz
- Skin Conditioning – imparts a silky after-feel, fills in fine surface unevenness and leaves skin looking smoother and more radiant
- Emollient – adds light lubrication that reduces roughness and helps other ingredients glide evenly across skin or hair
Who Can Use Polysilicone-23
Polysilicone-23 is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin because it forms a light breathable film that rarely clogs pores or traps heat. Those with very acne prone or severely congested skin may prefer to test it in a small area first because any film forming ingredient has a small chance of holding in oil and debris.
The ingredient is fully synthetic so it contains no animal derived material, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. That said, cruelty free status depends on the finished brand’s policies rather than the raw ingredient itself.
Current safety data shows no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Polysilicone-23 is used topically in normal cosmetic amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should discuss all personal care products with a qualified healthcare provider to be extra safe.
Polysilicone-23 does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity. It can actually help sunscreen last longer by anchoring the active filters on the skin.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Polysilicone-23 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues that could arise, though most users experience none of them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation in very sensitive individuals
- Contact dermatitis if someone is allergic to silicones in general
- Temporary pore congestion in users who are extremely clog prone or who do not cleanse thoroughly
- Eye stinging or watering if a product containing Polysilicone-23 migrates into the eye area
- Scalp buildup with heavy daily leave-on hair products leading to dull or weighed down strands
If any discomfort, redness or other unwanted effect appears stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Polysilicone-23 earns a low score because its large crosslinked structure sits on the surface rather than sinking into pores and it lets water vapor pass through, which reduces the chance of clogging. While any film former can trap existing oil or debris if skin is not cleansed well, the polymer itself is considered almost non-comedogenic.
Most acne-prone users can use products with Polysilicone-23 without seeing an uptick in breakouts.
The final formula matters; rich creams packed with waxes or heavy oils can still cause congestion even if the silicone is benign on its own.
Summary
Polysilicone-23 is a lightweight crosslinked silicone that forms a soft breathable film on skin and hair. This film boosts spreadability, seals in moisture, smooths rough texture, tames frizz and helps makeup or sunscreen stay put longer. Thanks to these perks it shows up in leave-on conditioners, long-wear foundations, serums and water-resistant SPF products, though it is not as ubiquitous as simpler silicones like dimethicone.
Safety studies and decades of silicone use point to a very low risk of irritation or pore clogging for most people, making Polysilicone-23 a reliable ingredient in modern formulas. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to patch test before full use so you can be sure your skin or scalp likes it.