WACKER’s D5-Free Silicones for Safer Personal Care Formulas
Evolving Toward Compliance and Innovation
With the growing regulatory restrictions around Cyclomethicone (D5), including limitations in the EU and scrutiny in global markets, formulators are seeking high-performance, environmentally responsible alternatives. Recognizing this shift, WACKER has strategically developed a portfolio of D5-free silicone materials under its BELSIL® product line, offering exceptional sensorial and functional properties across a wide range of personal care formulations. These alternatives support product innovation while helping brands align with regulatory and sustainability goals.
BELSIL® Technologies and Product Portfolio
WACKER’s D5 alternatives are grouped into key categories, each designed to replace D5 in both performance and sensory feel, without formulation compromise.
1. Gum Blends: High-Performance Film Formers
- BELSIL® GB 3010 & GB 3031 JP
Volatile isododecane-based gum blends that leave behind a flexible silicone film after evaporation. Ideal for lightweight, fast-absorbing textures. - BELSIL® DM 3096 & GB 1020 (incl. eco variants)
Dimethicone-based gum blends that offer a longer play time, improved skin elasticity, and a rich feel. Suitable for creams, lotions, and hair treatments. - Eco Grades (e.g., eco DM 3096)
Certified under REDcert², these products are chemically identical to their conventional counterparts but use a bio-mass balance approach, making them a sustainable 1:1 replacement.
2. Elastomer Gels: Mattifying & Blurring Experts
- BELSIL® EG 7
A non-volatile dimethicone-based elastomer gel known for its soft-focus, mattifying, and blurring effects. It enhances spreadability, reduces tackiness, and improves the visual texture of skin—perfect for facial moisturizers, primers, and BB creams. - BELSIL® EG 3000
Designed with isohexadecane, this volatile and EWG-compliant elastomer gel offers quick drying and a silky after-feel. Its shear-thinning behavior also makes it easy to incorporate into cooling lotions, sunscreens, and foundations that require elegant glide and finish.
3. Silicone Emulsifiers: Versatile Stability Agents
- BELSIL® WO 5000
A silicone polyglycoside emulsifier that functions as a W/O co-emulsifier. It enhances pigment dispersion, prevents sedimentation, and allows formulation of light and low-viscosity emulsions. Particularly advantageous for color cosmetics and high-SPF sun care products.
Sensory and Functional Benefits
WACKER’s D5 alternatives are not only regulatory-compliant but also offer sensory profiles that match or surpass D5:
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Enhanced slip and spreadability
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Long-lasting hydration
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Improved transfer resistance and film formation
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Noticeable soft focus and mattifying finish
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Suitable for clear gel textures, thanks to high compatibility with water and polar ingredients (e.g., REG 1103 B)
Target Applications
These D5-alternative materials are tested and proven across various personal care formats:
Skin Care
Facial creams, BB/CC creams, serums, and moisturizers benefit from elastomer gels like BELSIL® EG 7 and BELSIL® EG 3000, which provide:
- Skin-smoothing, blurring, and anti-wrinkle effects
- Matte finish and silky after-feel
- Long-lasting hydration and comfortable wear
Sun Care
Sunscreens and daily SPF moisturizers formulated with BELSIL® elastomer gels and emulsifiers achieve:
Sunscreens and daily SPF moisturizers formulated with BELSIL® elastomer gels and emulsifiers achieve:
- Excellent water resistance
- Smooth application and non-greasy feel
- Enhanced pigment and UV absorber dispersion
Color Cosmetics
Liquid foundations, matte lipsticks, blushes, eye shadows can be enhanced by:
Liquid foundations, matte lipsticks, blushes, eye shadows can be enhanced by:
- BELSIL® REG 1102/1103 B for superior film-forming and transfer resistance
- Silicone emulsifiers for homogeneous pigment dispersion
- Elastomer gels for cushiony textures and soft-focus effects
Hair Care
Serums, conditioners, and split-end repair treatments using BELSIL® gum blends or REG 1103 B deliver:
Serums, conditioners, and split-end repair treatments using BELSIL® gum blends or REG 1103 B deliver:
- Improved combability (wet and dry)
- Hair smoothness and gloss
- Protection against damage and breakage
Sample Formulations & Technical Support
WACKER ’s application labs have validated these products through detailed sensory testing and prototype formulations, ranging from W/Si long-wear foundations to gel-based lip colors and cooling after-sport body lotions. These are available for review and customization through your DKSH or WACKER contact.
Contact Us
DKSH Performance Materials is a key distribution partner of WACKER in the Philippines and Indonesia, providing advanced chemical solutions across diverse industries.
Let us help you reformulate with confidence, ensuring performance, sustainability, and compliance in every drop.
DKSH Performance Materials is a key distribution partner of WACKER in the Philippines and Indonesia, providing advanced chemical solutions across diverse industries.
Let us help you reformulate with confidence, ensuring performance, sustainability, and compliance in every drop.
For product brochures, technical data sheets, or formulation support, please contact the person listed above. Full product details are available on DKSH Discover, please ensure you are registered and logged in before accessing the links
FAQs
1. What are D5-free silicones in personal care?
: D5-free silicones are alternatives to Cyclomethicone (D5), offering safe, high-performance options for personal care formulations like creams, sunscreens, and serums.
2. Why switch to WACKER’s D5-free silicone portfolio?
: WACKER’s BELSIL® line matches D5 performance with better compliance, sensory properties, and sustainability, including eco-certified variants.
3. In which formulations can I use D5-free silicones?
: You can use them in skincare (serums, moisturizers), color cosmetics (foundations, lipsticks), sun care, and hair care products.
4. How can I access WACKER product samples or support?
: Reach out to DKSH for formulation guidance, sample requests, and access to WACKER’s application labs and technical resources.
