Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A type of silicone powder | Can be difficult to disperse in a formulation
At a glance
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer?
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer is a silicone powder that gives cosmetic products a silky feel and can mitigate the oily feel of formulations. It is often paired with pure dimethicone, a silicone that has documented protective and hydrating properties.
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer can also be used as a thickener for water-in-oil formulations. Because of the complex nature of this polymer, its properties can vary from one supplier to another.
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel found dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer is safe as used in skin care products. Its review determined that the size of this ingredient’s molecules is not able to penetrate skin. It was also not found to be irritating or sensitizing even in concentrations exceeding 45%.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, Volume 33, Supplement 2, 2014, pages 65S–115S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581814524963]
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https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/dimethiconevinyl-dimethicone-crosspolymer [https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/dimethiconevinyl-dimethicone-crosspolymer]
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https://www.brbstkimyasal.com/down/crosspolymers-customizing-sensory-feel.pdf [https://www.brbstkimyasal.com/down/crosspolymers-customizing-sensory-feel.pdf]
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER
- Function
- Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling
Frequently Asked Questions
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