A Practical Guide to Silicone Emulsifiers in Water-in-Oil Cosmetics

Why Silicone Emulsifiers Matter

Silicone-based water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifiers have become fundamental components in advanced cosmetic formulations. These specialized ingredients enable the creation of stable mixtures between aqueous and oil phases, particularly in products where exceptional texture and performance are required. They are especially valuable in foundations, sunscreens, BB creams, and long-wear makeup due to their ability to deliver a refined, non-greasy sensory experience while enhancing product durability and water resistance. The unique structure of silicone emulsifiers allows them to spread evenly on the skin, providing a smooth application and improving overall product aesthetics.

Stability You Can Trust
Emulsion stability is critical for product shelf life and user satisfaction. SQ Materials’ emulsifiers are subjected to rigorous testing protocols, including accelerated stability trials at 60°C for 30 days, ensuring consistent performance across diverse formulations. These tests verify that the emulsifiers maintain structural integrity and functional effectiveness when combined with various oils, pigments, and active ingredients. Infrared spectroscopy confirmation guarantees that their molecular architecture aligns with international quality benchmarks, providing manufacturers with reliable and predictable results batch after batch.

Safe and Compliant
In today's regulated market, compliance is essential. Leading silicone emulsifiers now maintain cyclic silicone residues (D4, D5, D6) below 0.1%, fully meeting stringent European and international cosmetic regulations. This commitment to safety is reinforced through ISO 9001 certified manufacturing processes and selective REACH registration of raw materials. These measures ensure that products not only perform well but also adhere to the highest safety standards, supporting brands in their clean beauty and sustainability initiatives.

Solve Common Formulation Problems
Silicone emulsifiers effectively address persistent challenges in cosmetic development, including phase separation, oil migration, and pigment settling. Their application is particularly beneficial in color cosmetics where even dispersion of pigments is crucial, and in sunscreens where formulation stability directly affects SPF performance. Additionally, these emulsifiers help create lightweight textures that remain stable under varying temperature conditions, making them suitable for global market distribution.

Meet SQ Materials’ Emulsifier Range
SQ Materials offers a comprehensive selection of high-performance silicone emulsifiers, including:

• SQ-SE1017 (PEG-10 Dimethicone)

• SQ-SE1090 (Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone)

• SQ-SE1200 (Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone)

• SQ-SE1300 (Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy) Silylethyl Dimethicone)

• SQ-SE1225 (Cyclopentasiloxane & PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone)

• SQ-SE1225D (Dimethicone & PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone)

• SQ-SE1038 (Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone)

Flexible Supply, Strong Support
Understanding the needs of modern cosmetic brands, SQ Materials provides flexible manufacturing options with minimum order quantities starting at 200kg. Their production capability, supported by multiple 1-ton and 5-ton reactors, ensures scalability from pilot projects to full commercial batches. The company further distinguishes itself through expert technical support from formulators with extensive experience in international cosmetic brands, offering services ranging to custom emulsifier development and complete OEM/ODM solutions.

Ideal for Modern Brands
As consumer expectations evolve towards higher performance and cleaner formulations, silicone W/O emulsifiers continue to provide ideal solutions. They enable the creation of products with superior texture, enhanced stability, and improved functionality while meeting rigorous safety standards. For brands seeking to develop next-generation cosmetics, these emulsifiers offer the technical sophistication and reliability required in today's competitive market.