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Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3

What Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3 is & what it does

Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3 is a silicone-based emulsifier and surfactant formed by linking a butyl dimethicone backbone to a glyceryl group. In sunscreens and skincare it helps create stable water-in-oil or water-in-silicone emulsions, keeping pigments and UV filters evenly dispersed. A notable property is that it gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel while improving water resistance.

What does Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3 do in skincare?

Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3 is a silicone-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases into a stable cream or sunscreen. It is especially useful for dispersing pigments and UV filters evenly. It also contributes a smooth, lightweight feel to the product.

Is Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3 safe?

Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3 is a silicone-derived emulsifier used in many cosmetic formulas and is generally considered safe at typical use levels. It is designed to stay on the skin surface rather than penetrate. As with any ingredient, those with very sensitive skin can patch test first.

Is Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3 natural or synthetic?

Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3 is synthetic, produced by chemically modifying a silicone backbone with a glyceryl group. It does not occur in nature in this form. It is manufactured specifically to act as a reliable emulsifier in cosmetic products.

Sunscreens with Bis-Butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3

We rate 16 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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