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Ingredient deep-dive

Dimethicone Crosspolymer: Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernSilicone

Cross-linked silicone elastomer that creates the soft, blurring "slip" in primers and pore-fillers. A synthetic polymer network rather than a solid bead, but classed with the siloxanes the EU is tightening.

Where it appears

  • Face primers and pore-blurring products
  • Foundation and BB cream (for slip)
  • Oil-control mattifiers
  • Color cosmetics

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Cyclic siloxanes D4/D5/D6 restricted; silicone elastomers under ongoing consultation under EU 2023/2055.

United States

No federal restriction; FDA permits cosmetic use.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Squalane
  • Cornstarch-based soft-focus powders
  • Silica microspheres

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Dimethicone Crosspolymer, common questions

Is Dimethicone Crosspolymer a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Cross-linked silicone elastomer that creates the soft, blurring "slip" in primers and pore-fillers. A synthetic polymer network rather than a solid bead, but classed with the siloxanes the EU is tightening.

Is Dimethicone Crosspolymer banned?

EU: Cyclic siloxanes D4/D5/D6 restricted; silicone elastomers under ongoing consultation under EU 2023/2055. US: No federal restriction; FDA permits cosmetic use.

What can I use instead of Dimethicone Crosspolymer?

Cleaner alternatives include: Squalane; Cornstarch-based soft-focus powders; Silica microspheres.

What products contain Dimethicone Crosspolymer?

Commonly found in: Face primers and pore-blurring products; Foundation and BB cream (for slip); Oil-control mattifiers; Color cosmetics.

Related ingredients

Dimethicone

Silicone · Medium concern

Silicone polymer (polydimethylsiloxane). Not the same as solid microplastic but classed as a synthetic polymer; EU is consulting on tighter limits.

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Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane

Silicone · Medium concern

Cyclic siloxanes. D4 and D5 variants are EU-restricted in rinse-off products.

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Trimethicone / Phenyl Trimethicone

Silicone · Low concern

Silicone polymer variant used for slip and shine.

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Polysilicone-X

Silicone · Medium concern

Synthetic silicone polymer family used as film-formers in long-wear makeup.

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