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Ethyl Methicone

What Ethyl Methicone is & what it does

Ethyl Methicone is a silicone (an organosilicon polymer) used in cosmetic and sunscreen formulas. It acts as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient, giving products a smooth, light feel and helping them spread evenly across the skin. Compared with some heavier silicones, it tends to leave a dry, non-greasy finish, which is useful in lightweight sunscreens and primers.

Is Ethyl Methicone safe?

Ethyl Methicone is a silicone widely used in cosmetics and is generally regarded as safe for topical use at the levels found in skincare and sunscreen products. Silicones like it are inert and sit on the skin surface rather than being absorbed. As with any ingredient, anyone with a known silicone sensitivity should patch test first.

Is Ethyl Methicone comedogenic?

Ethyl Methicone is generally considered non-comedogenic and is not known to clog pores for most people. It tends to leave a light, dry finish rather than a heavy occlusive film. Individual responses vary, so those very prone to breakouts may want to monitor how their skin reacts.

Is Ethyl Methicone natural or synthetic?

Ethyl Methicone is synthetic. It is a man-made silicone polymer produced through controlled chemical processes, not extracted from a plant or animal source. Because of this, it is also typically suitable for vegan formulas.

Sunscreens with Ethyl Methicone

We rate 13 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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