Ingredient glossary
Phenyl Trimethicone
On your shelf ✓What Phenyl Trimethicone does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Phenyl Trimethicone
In short: Phenyl Trimethicone delivers softening and shine, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate.
- What it does
- Softening, shine
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Evidence
- Moderate
- How long
- Straight away
What it actually is
The Glow take
A comfort ingredient, and none the worse for it.
Phenyl Trimethicone is here for feel and moisture, softening the skin and slowing water loss. More comfort than correction.
— Maya
What it does
- softening
- shine
- film forming
moderate evidenceSilicone safety reviews describe phenyl trimethicone as non-irritating and non-sensitizing with excellent sensory and film-forming properties.
On a label: usually effective at 1-10%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- normal
- dry
- combo
Approach with care
- acne prone if heavy
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: acne prone (in heavy layers).
Where it fits in your routine
This one works on contact — there is nothing to wait for.
What that covers, and what it does not
Measured on: optical gloss and a water-resistant film, present as soon as the film sets.
Scored hydration 1 with functions softening, shine and film forming. Refractive-index-driven shine and water resistance are properties of the deposited silicone film itself, so they are there on application rather than after weeks of use. The barrier score of 4 rests on generic occlusion and has never been timed for this specific silicone.
Mechanism; silicone safety and function reviews (non-irritating film former); no clinical time course.
Plays well with
- humectants
- other silicones
Phenyl Trimethicone, answered
Is Phenyl Trimethicone safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Phenyl Trimethicone is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Phenyl Trimethicone?
Approach Phenyl Trimethicone with care if any of these apply to you: acne prone (in heavy layers).
What concentration of Phenyl Trimethicone actually works?
Phenyl Trimethicone tends to do its job in the 1 to 10% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
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