Silicone elastomer microspheres IOTA 9606 is an innovative material formed by the cross-linking polymerization of polydimethylsiloxane and vinyl dimethicone. With its outstanding performance, it demonstrates broad application potential in skincare, sun care, and color cosmetics. As a white, soft, and fluffy powder, it not only exhibits excellent oil-absorbing capabilities but can also swell in low-viscosity oily systems and act as a thickener in water-in-oil (W/O) or anhydrous oil-based formulations, offering formulators greater flexibility.

In personal care products, oil control has always been a critical challenge, especially for formulations targeting oily skin or long-lasting matte finishes. Thanks to its unique cross-linked polymer structure, IOTA 9606 efficiently absorbs sebum and excess oils in formulations, reducing shine and enhancing a product’s lightweight feel. This makes it an ideal choice for oil-control skincare products, matte sunscreens, and long-wear foundation formulations. Moreover, even after absorbing oils, it maintains a light, non-greasy texture, avoiding the heavy or sticky sensation that can compromise user experience.

Beyond its exceptional oil absorption, IOTA 9606 also exhibits remarkable thickening properties. In W/O or anhydrous oil-based formulations, it forms a stable three-dimensional network through swelling, enhancing viscosity and imparting thixotropic behavior. This is particularly valuable for high-oil-content products such as cleansing oils, facial oils, or oil-based makeup, as it improves texture without adding greasiness, ensuring smooth application and spreadability. Additionally, in low-viscosity oils (e.g., volatile silicones or light esters), its swelling ability helps regulate fluidity, preventing phase separation or sedimentation and ensuring formulation stability and uniformity.

In color cosmetics, IOTA 9606 finds extensive use. Its fine powder structure allows even blending with pigments and other powder ingredients, improving the soft-focus effect and smoothness of foundations, powders, and blushes. Its oil-absorbing properties also help prolong makeup wear, reducing smudging or fading caused by sebum secretion. For lipsticks and eyeshadows, its thickening effect enhances moldability, making the product easier to process and apply while improving color payoff and intensity.

In sun care formulations, IOTA 9606 not only helps adjust texture for smoother application but also minimizes white cast and greasiness by absorbing excess oils, enhancing wear comfort. Furthermore, its chemical inertness and stability ensure compatibility with various organic UV filters and mineral sunscreens, without compromising SPF efficacy or formulation safety.

In summary, silicone elastomer microspheres IOTA 9606, with their multifunctionality, efficiency, and compatibility, open new possibilities for personal care formulations. Whether for oil-control skincare, long-lasting matte makeup, or stabilized oil-based systems, IOTA 9606 meets diverse needs with its unique properties, becoming an indispensable ingredient in modern formulations. As consumer demands for texture and performance continue to rise, this innovative material is poised to play an even more significant role in the future.