Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone crosspolymer
- Role
- A cross-linked silicone polymer that controls viscosity and stabilises the formula.
- Catalog formulas
- 6
- Type
- Texture
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
A dimethicone-based polymer whose chains are cross-linked into a network. INCI functions: emulsion stabilising, viscosity controlling and hair fixing; the CIR also describes dimethicone crosspolymers as absorbents, slip modifiers and non-aqueous viscosity-increasing agents.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In silicone sticks, gels and creams it helps hold the consistency of the anhydrous base and improves slip on application. It does not reduce sweating.
In 2014 the CIR reviewed 62 dimethicone crosspolymers, addressed the issue of residual monomers and concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration; the CIR summary table lists use concentrations of 0.007–25% for Dimethicone Crosspolymer.
It is generally used for texture; an individual reaction to the finished product is possible.
Not the same as Dimethicone: ordinary dimethicone chains are not cross-linked, whereas in Dimethicone Crosspolymer they are joined into a network, so it mainly controls the viscosity and structure of the formula.
Products containing Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: Dimethicone Crosspolymer Supports: INCI functions, substance identity
- CIR: Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Crosspolymers as Used in Cosmetics (2014) Supports: INCI functions, safety assessment
- CIR: Quick Reference Table (summary of conclusions, 2014) Supports: safety conclusion, use concentrations