Stearyl dimethicone

Stearyl dimethicone (CAS 67762-83-8) is a silicone polymer modified with stearyl (C18) alkyl groups, combining the surface-slip characteristics of silicone with the emollient behavior of long-chain fatty chemistry.

It functions as an emulsifier, conditioning agent, and surface modifier across personal care and industrial applications. In skin and hair care formulations, it provides a smooth, non-greasy skin feel while improving spreadability.

This material is widely used in creams, lotions, and leave-on conditioners. Color cosmetics manufacturers use it to enhance pigment dispersion and achieve uniform coverage in foundations and pressed powders.

In textile finishing, it imparts soft-hand effects and improves fabric slip without compromising breathability. Coatings and sealant formulators incorporate it as a surface-active modifier to improve substrate wetting.

It is also used to reduce surface tension in silicone-based systems. Stearyl dimethicone is typically supplied as a waxy solid or high-viscosity paste, depending on molecular weight and alkyl substitution level.

Cosmetic-grade material is the dominant commercial form, with supply conforming to standard industry purity expectations for personal care use. Technical-grade variants are available for industrial coating and textile applications.