Shin-Etsu Unveils New Silicones to Enhance Cosmetic Texture and Performance
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo and led by President Yasuhiko Saitoh, has announced the development of several new silicone-based products designed for personal care applications. These innovations are part of the company’s ongoing strategy known as Shin-Etsu Silicones Solution-Engineering™, which leverages its expertise in silicon chemistry to deliver advanced material solutions. As the global personal care market evolves with increasing demand for improved sensory experiences, environmental compatibility, and production efficiency, Shin-Etsu is reinforcing its role as a key supplier of high-performance silicone materials.
In the personal care industry, R&D is focused on addressing a wide array of emerging themes, including catering to diverse consumer preferences, responding to sustainability challenges, and enhancing manufacturing processes. Recognizing these needs, Shin-Etsu has expanded its product portfolio with innovative silicone solutions that aim to deliver both functional benefits and a superior user experience.
Among the latest additions to Shin-Etsu’s personal care product lineup are four standout silicone formulations: KF-6070W, KF-6080W, KSG-16-SF, and KSG-19-PF. Each product brings a unique set of properties that make them suitable for a variety of cosmetic and personal care applications, from skin and hair care to color cosmetics.
Hydrophilic Silicones: KF-6070W and KF-6080W
KF-6070W and KF-6080W represent a new generation of silicone materials that combine the desirable tactile and performance attributes of traditional silicones with enhanced water affinity. By replacing certain methyl groups in the molecular structure of dimethyl silicone oil (commonly known as dimethicone) with hydrophilic functional groups, these new silicones provide improved compatibility with water-based formulations.
KF-6070W is a water-soluble silicone wax that exhibits a luxurious melting and spreading behavior when applied to the skin. This property makes it particularly effective as a sensory enhancer in a wide range of personal care formulations, including water-based and Oil-in-Water (O/W) emulsions commonly used in hair care, skin care, and base makeup products. Its unique feel contributes to a silky, smooth application that consumers increasingly seek in premium cosmetic products.
On the other hand, KF-6080W functions as a silicone emulsifier designed specifically for O/W emulsion systems. It helps create stable formulations with a refined texture and minimal stickiness. One of its major advantages is that it remains liquid at room temperature, which not only simplifies handling but also enables its use in cold processing techniques. Cold processing is a valuable manufacturing method in the personal care industry, as it allows the formulation of products without the need for high-temperature heating, thereby reducing energy consumption and preserving the integrity of heat-sensitive ingredients.
Soft-Focus Silicone Gels: KSG-16-SF and KSG-19-PF
The other two newly developed products, KSG-16-SF and KSG-19-PF, are silicone elastomer gels that feature advanced light-diffusion properties, contributing to the “soft-focus” effect that has become highly desirable in modern cosmetic products. This effect helps blur skin imperfections and create a smoother, more radiant appearance.
KSG-16-SF is specifically formulated to deliver a high soft-focus effect. It diffuses light effectively across the skin’s surface, enhancing the visual appeal of products such as primers, foundations, and BB creams. In addition to its optical benefits, the gel offers a smooth and pleasant skin feel that enhances the overall user experience.
Meanwhile, KSG-19-PF is characterized by a unique light, powdery texture. This silicone gel offers a refined tactile profile that makes it ideal for use in formulations where a matte or velvety finish is desired. It can be used in a wide variety of products, from oil-control foundations to mattifying skincare products.
Both KSG-16-SF and KSG-19-PF are also noteworthy for their potential to serve as environmentally responsible alternatives to microplastic beads, which are increasingly being phased out of personal care formulations due to regulatory and environmental concerns. Shin-Etsu plans to continue evaluating and promoting these materials as part of its sustainability initiatives.
Showcasing Innovation at CITE JAPAN 2025
Shin-Etsu Chemical will showcase these newly developed silicone materials at the upcoming CITE JAPAN 2025 exhibition. The event, officially known as the 12th Cosmetic Ingredients and Technology Exhibition, is scheduled to be held from May 14 to 16, 2025, at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center in Yokohama, Japan. The company’s booth will feature detailed presentations of its silicone product technologies, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the performance and feel of its latest innovations.
As the industry continues to emphasize product functionality, texture, and environmental safety, Shin-Etsu’s new silicones represent a well-timed response. These advanced materials meet multiple consumer and manufacturer requirements: high efficacy, refined texture, energy-efficient processing, and environmental responsibility.
The Versatility of Silicone in Personal Care
Silicone-based materials have long been valued in the personal care sector for their multifaceted benefits. They come in various forms including fluids, gels, emulsions, elastomers, and powders, each offering different advantages depending on the application. Silicones can improve product spreadability, enhance moisture retention, deliver a desirable sensory profile, and offer compatibility with a wide array of formulation components.
Shin-Etsu’s silicones in particular are renowned for their high purity and consistency, ensuring reliable performance in demanding formulations. Whether it’s achieving a non-greasy after-feel in moisturizers, improving comb-through in conditioners, or creating light-diffusing effects in makeup, Shin-Etsu’s product innovations continue to address evolving industry needs.
The company’s focus on water-soluble and cold-process-compatible silicone derivatives reflects a broader trend in the personal care industry. As formulators seek to reduce product complexity, energy usage, and reliance on controversial materials such as microplastics, silicone materials that offer both technical and environmental advantages are becoming increasingly vital.
Looking Ahead: Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Shin-Etsu Chemical’s development of these new personal care silicones demonstrates a continued commitment to sustainable innovation. The company recognizes that consumer expectations are rapidly changing. People are more aware of what goes into their personal care products and increasingly demand transparency, safety, and sustainability. At the same time, formulators are looking for ways to maintain or improve product performance without compromising on regulatory compliance or environmental impact.
The new product suite addresses these dual demands by offering ingredients that are not only highly functional but also aligned with eco-conscious values. By introducing materials that are compatible with energy-saving manufacturing processes and that can replace environmentally harmful ingredients, Shin-Etsu is positioning itself as a proactive leader in the sustainable beauty and personal care movement.
Furthermore, by participating in industry events like CITE JAPAN 2025, Shin-Etsu aims to foster deeper collaboration with personal care brands, formulators, and research institutions. Such collaborations will help accelerate the adoption of innovative materials and ensure that future product development continues to meet the needs of a dynamic and demanding global market.
In summary, Shin-Etsu Chemical’s new silicone product offerings reflect a strategic alignment with the future of personal care: one where performance, sensory quality, and sustainability go hand in hand. With an expanded product lineup and a commitment to ongoing R&D, the company is set to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the next generation of personal care products.
