Ingredient deep-dive

Polysilicone-X: Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernSilicone

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

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Polysilicone-X, common questions

Is Polysilicone-X a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Synthetic silicone polymer family used as film-formers in long-wear makeup.

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.

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.