Polysilicone-11
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Synthetic silicone that serves as a thickener and film-forming agent | Sets to a powdery-soft, non-greasy finish
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Polysilicone-11?
Polysilicone-11 is a synthetic silicone made by crosslinking bis-vinyldimethicone and hydrogen dimethicone. Its primary role in cosmetics is as a thickener and film-forming agent. It’s almost always used with other silicones to create elevated, silky, powdery-soft textures and finishes.
Polysilicone-11 is considered a silicone elastomer, a special kind of polymer whose film-forming properties have a flexible, mesh-like effect. In other words, contrary to myth, this silicone doesn’t suffocate skin or clog pores.
A wide range of usage levels are in play in various rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics: it may be used in concentrations as low as 0.04% to upwards of 19.9%, although a safety assessment showed even higher amounts were non-irritating.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Cosmetic Ingredient Review, January 2021, pages 1-9 [https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/polysi122020FR.pdf]
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Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, April 2002, Volume 99, Issues 1-2, pages 3-12 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924424701008767]
Frequently Asked Questions
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