Ingredient deep-dive

Polysilicone-11: Is It a Microplastic?

Sources reviewedSilicone

Polysilicone-11 is a silicone crosspolymer. A gel or liquid carrier does not prove that its polymer is liquid or outside microplastics scope; the actual formulation and material criteria matter.

Shared method updated October 6, 2026. Individual sources reviewed October 6, 2026.

What changed in this reference

Earlier pages inferred a yes/no microplastic verdict from an editorial high/medium/low grouping. Those labels were not measurements or health-risk grades. The shared answer, FAQ and regulation context now distinguish label names from physical particles. This entry also received the individual source review described below.

Polysilicone-11 is a crosslinked dimethylsiloxane formed from bis-vinyldimethicone and hydrogen dimethicone. CIR reports a film-forming function. Supplied solvent mixtures must be distinguished from the polymer itself.

Identity corrections and evidence limits

The automatic non-microplastic verdict is withdrawn. This numbered identity cannot define every Polysilicone ingredient, and a supplier mixture does not establish the carrier or physical form of every product.

The CIR final report released January 11, 2021 assesses the described cosmetic uses and concentrations and relies substantially on industry-submitted data. It does not certify current compliance or your formula.

Reported uses and functions

Film formation

How the rules depend on the product

European Union

The EU restriction depends on polymer and particle criteria, exclusions and use. Abrasive microbeads have no transition after 17 October 2023. Otherwise, covered rinse-off cosmetics generally transition on 17 October 2027, other leave-on cosmetics on 17 October 2029, and make-up, lip and nail products on 17 October 2035. Microbeads, fragrance encapsulation and rinse-off uses have specific exceptions to those groupings. A name alone cannot establish compliance.

United States

The federal Microbead-Free Waters Act targets intentionally added solid plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics for exfoliating or cleansing. It is not a blanket ban on all polymers or a product safety assessment. Other applicable rules require separate checking.

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Polysilicone-11, common questions

Is Polysilicone-11 a microplastic?

Polysilicone-11 is a silicone crosspolymer. A gel or liquid carrier does not prove that its polymer is liquid or outside microplastics scope; the actual formulation and material criteria matter.

Does a label match mean Polysilicone-11 is banned?

A label match alone cannot determine product compliance. EU context: The EU restriction depends on polymer and particle criteria, exclusions and use. Abrasive microbeads have no transition after 17 October 2023. Otherwise, covered rinse-off cosmetics generally transition on 17 October 2027, other leave-on cosmetics on 17 October 2029, and make-up, lip and nail products on 17 October 2035. Microbeads, fragrance encapsulation and rinse-off uses have specific exceptions to those groupings. A name alone cannot establish compliance. US context: The federal Microbead-Free Waters Act targets intentionally added solid plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics for exfoliating or cleansing. It is not a blanket ban on all polymers or a product safety assessment. Other applicable rules require separate checking. Other substance-specific rules are separate from the microplastic definition; this reference is not a compliance determination.

Can a label show the particle count or health effect?

A label-name match does not measure particles, concentration, exposure or health effects. Polymer identity alone does not establish particle form or legal scope.

Sources and review scope

The Commission guide establishes the shared definition and transition context; CosIng inclusion is not ingredient approval. Label rules do not provide a particle assay. Ingredient-specific sources support the identity and scope stated here, not a tested product or measured health outcome.