Ingredient deep-dive

Polyphenylsilsesquioxane: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernSilicone

Silicone resin used as a film-former for long wear and gloss. A siloxane resin, so outside the microplastic definition despite being a solid synthetic polymer.

Where it appears

Long-wear lip colour
Transfer-resistant foundation
Hair gloss

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Shellac
Plant waxes
Castor-oil gloss systems

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Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, common questions

Is Polyphenylsilsesquioxane a microplastic?

Borderline. Silicone resin used as a film-former for long wear and gloss. A siloxane resin, so outside the microplastic definition despite being a solid synthetic polymer.

Is Polyphenylsilsesquioxane banned?

EU: Permitted. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Polyphenylsilsesquioxane?

Cleaner alternatives include: Shellac; Plant waxes; Castor-oil gloss systems.

What products contain Polyphenylsilsesquioxane?

Commonly found in: Long-wear lip colour; Transfer-resistant foundation; Hair gloss.

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.

Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane

Silicone · Medium concern

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

Trimethicone / Phenyl Trimethicone

Silicone · Low concern

Silicone polymer variant used for slip and shine.

Polysilicone-X

Silicone · Medium concern

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