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Phenyl Trimethicone

What Phenyl Trimethicone is & what it does

A silicone that adds gloss, slip, and water resistance while helping to disperse pigments and filters. It gives a smooth, conditioned finish.

What is Phenyl Trimethicone and what does it do in sunscreen?

Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone emollient. It adds slip, gloss, and a smooth, conditioned finish, and it helps a sunscreen spread evenly while improving water resistance. It is also good at dispersing pigments and UV filters, which is useful in tinted and mineral formulas. The result is a more even, comfortable layer on the skin.

Is Phenyl Trimethicone safe?

Yes. Cosmetic silicones like Phenyl Trimethicone are inert, sit on the surface of the skin, and have a strong safety and tolerability record. They are non-irritating for the vast majority of people, including those with sensitive skin. It is a widely used, well-understood ingredient.

Does Phenyl Trimethicone clog pores?

Generally no. Silicones like Phenyl Trimethicone are large molecules that form a breathable film rather than blocking pores, and it is considered low-risk for comedogenicity. Most people, including acne-prone skin, tolerate it well. If you do break out, the richer oils and waxes in a formula are the more likely culprits.

What is Phenyl Trimethicone on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Phenyl Trimethicone" is the INCI name printed on the label. It is one of the silicone family, related to dimethicone but with a phenyl group that gives it more gloss and better pigment dispersion. It can appear in the middle of the list, among the emollients and texture ingredients. Seeing it usually points to a smooth, polished finish.

Is Phenyl Trimethicone natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. Silicones are lab-made polymers built on a silicon-and-oxygen backbone, so Phenyl Trimethicone does not occur in nature. That synthetic origin is exactly what gives it its consistent slip, gloss, and water resistance. It contains no animal-derived material, so it fits vegan formulas.

Sunscreens with Phenyl Trimethicone

We rate 348 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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