Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer is a flexible silicone polymer consisting of methicone silsesquioxane crosslinked with vinyl dimethylpolysiloxane. As a class, silicones improve the feel, appearance, and performance of cosmetic products. These ingredients act as silky moisturizers, conditioners, solvents, and delivery agents for other skin care ingredients. Silicones have a low surface tension, which enables them to spread easily across the surface of skin and form a protective covering.

Specifically, vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a thickener and texture enhancer. It works by increasing the formula’s viscosity, a term that corresponds to the concept of thickness. For example, honey has a higher viscosity than water. As a viscosity increasing agent, vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer works to thicken formulations in order to make a product less runny and easier to spread. Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer also imparts a uniquely soft, silky feel after topical application, which is why it is frequently used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics and skin care products.