What Is Polysilicone-36?
Polysilicone-36 is a man-made silicone ingredient created by joining together small units of siloxane, a compound of silicon, oxygen and carbon. Chemists make it by reacting Hydrogen Dimethicone with 2-Allyloxyethoxy Glucoside and Vinyltrimethylsilyloxy Silicate in a controlled process that crosslinks the chains, giving the final material a flexible three-dimensional network. This structure lets the polymer form a smooth, breathable film on the skin.
Silicones have been part of cosmetics since the 1950s for their silky feel and water resistance. Polysilicone-36 is a newer member of this family, introduced as brands looked for lightweight film formers that would not feel greasy. Its unique build helps products stay put while keeping a soft touch.
You will most often see Polysilicone-36 in leave-on items like primers, setting sprays, tinted moisturizers, long-wear foundations, anti-aging serums, sheet masks and waterproof sunscreens. It can also show up in hair styling creams and color cosmetics where a smooth finish is key.
Polysilicone-36’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare and makeup formulas Polysilicone-36 is valued for one core job.
Skin conditioning: The polymer forms a thin, flexible layer that locks in moisture, softens rough spots and leaves skin feeling silky. This film can blur fine lines, boost spreadability of pigments and help active ingredients stay on the surface longer, improving overall wear and feel of the product.
Who Can Use Polysilicone-36
Polysilicone-36 is generally suitable for most skin types including dry, normal and combination skin because its light flexible film helps seal in moisture without a heavy greasy feel. People with very oily or acne-prone skin may want to monitor how their skin reacts since any occlusive layer can, in rare cases, trap excess sebum and contribute to breakouts.
The ingredient is synthetic and contains no animal-derived raw materials so it is considered appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians.
Current data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Polysilicone-36 is used topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review their skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider to stay on the safe side.
Polysilicone-36 does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. As with any skincare product daily sunscreen use is still recommended.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Polysilicone-36 can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly by reputable manufacturers and most users will not experience them.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in sensitive individuals
- Contact dermatitis if an allergy to silicones is present
- Worsening of breakouts for some very oily or acne-prone users due to the occlusive film
- Product pilling when layered over certain skincare items which can reduce cosmetic elegance
If any negative reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Polysilicone-36 forms a light breathable film that lets water vapour escape while still sealing in surface moisture. Because the film is not heavy or greasy it rarely blocks pores, which puts it close to the non-comedogenic end of the scale. A small number of very oily or congestion-prone users may still notice extra buildup if several occlusive layers are stacked on top of each other, so it earns a cautious 1 rather than a perfect 0.
Overall this ingredient is usually fine for skin that tends to break out, but anyone who knows they react badly to most silicones may want to keep an eye on how their skin behaves.
Comedogenicity can also depend on the full formula. If Polysilicone-36 sits alongside heavy oils or waxes the finished product could feel more pore-clogging than the polymer alone.
Summary
Polysilicone-36 is mainly a skin-conditioning film former. It smooths rough patches, locks in lightweight hydration and helps makeup or actives stay put thanks to its flexible silicone network. Those benefits come with a silky touch and no greasy afterfeel.
The ingredient is still a niche pick rather than a household name, showing up mostly in long-wear foundations, primers and modern sunscreens where brands want a soft matte finish that lasts.
Safety data so far shows a low risk of irritation or sensitisation when used at cosmetic levels, but skin responses differ from person to person. As with any new product a quick patch test on a small area is wise before full-face use.