Bis-Phenylpropyl Dimethicone

Bis-Phenylpropyl Dimethicone is a high–molecular weight silicone emollient/skin-conditioning agent typically used at low to moderate levels to improve slip and reduce transepidermal water loss. Silicones of this type are generally non-reactive and show very low rates of irritation in patch testing, making them well-tolerated even in many sensitive-skin populations. Rare individual intolerance can occur (often related to the overall formula rather than the silicone itself), so it is best categorized as very gentle rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: In commercial leave-on skincare and hybrid skincare/makeup (primers, tinted moisturizers, blurring creams), Bis-Phenylpropyl Dimethicone is often used at very low levels (~0.05–0.3%) as a slip/feel modifier and gloss-enhancing silicone within larger emollient/silicone blends. Higher-use products such as silicone-rich smoothing primers, barrier creams, and facial oils/serums positioned for “silky” sensoriality can reach ~3–8% where it acts as a primary sensorial emollient and film former; rinse-off cleansers and wash-off masks typically sit at the low end due to dilution and deposition limits. No specific EU/FDA maximum applies for this INCI beyond general cosmetic safety obligations, so the observed upper end is driven mainly by aesthetics, compatibility, and viscosity rather than regulatory caps.