Ingredient deep-dive

Polysilicone-11: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernSilicone

Cross-linked silicone elastomer that gives primers their characteristic velvet slip. Siloxane, not a microplastic.

Where it appears

Pore-filling primers
Blurring products
Long-wear foundation

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Silica-based primers
Rice starch
Squalane

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Polysilicone-11, common questions

Is Polysilicone-11 a microplastic?

Borderline. Cross-linked silicone elastomer that gives primers their characteristic velvet slip. Siloxane, not a microplastic.

Is Polysilicone-11 banned?

EU: Permitted. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Polysilicone-11?

Cleaner alternatives include: Silica-based primers; Rice starch; Squalane.

What products contain Polysilicone-11?

Commonly found in: Pore-filling primers; Blurring products; Long-wear foundation.

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.