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Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

What Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is & what it does

Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a silicone-based emulsifier used mainly in water-in-silicone and water-in-oil formulas. It lets water be blended into a silicone or oil base, which is what gives many sunscreens a light, water-resistant, non-greasy feel. It works on the surface to hold the formula together and is gentle and well tolerated on most skin.

What is Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone and what does it do in sunscreen?

It is a silicone-based emulsifier that lets water be blended into a silicone or oil base, the kind of formula used in many water-resistant sunscreens. By holding the two phases together it gives a light, smooth, non-greasy feel and helps the product stay stable. It works on the surface of the skin to keep the formula uniform rather than acting on the skin itself.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone safe?

Yes. It is a mild, surface-acting emulsifier that simply holds the oil, silicone, and water phases together, and it is well tolerated in cosmetics. Like other silicone emulsifiers it is not meaningfully absorbed and is considered low-irritation for most skin types, including in sunscreens worn daily.

Does Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone clog pores?

Generally no. It is used in small amounts as an emulsifier and is part of why silicone-based sunscreens feel light rather than heavy, so it is not a classic pore-clogging ingredient. Very acne-prone skin can occasionally react to rich formulas overall, but this emulsifier itself is not a notable comedogenic flag.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone a silicone?

Yes, it is a silicone-based emulsifier. It pairs a silicone (dimethicone) backbone with water-loving polyglycerin groups, which is what lets it bridge water and silicone or oil in a formula. That hybrid structure is exactly why it is so good at creating light, water-resistant textures.

Is Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. It is a lab-made silicone emulsifier engineered to blend water into silicone and oil bases, and it does not occur in nature. Synthetic here just reflects how it is manufactured, not a safety concern.

Sunscreens with Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

We rate 280 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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