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Ingredient deep-dive

Silica Dimethyl Silylate: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernSilicone

Silica particles surface-treated with a silicone. The core is mineral silica, the coating is a siloxane, so neither part is a microplastic.

Where it appears

  • Mattifying powders
  • Oil absorption
  • Primers
  • Dry shampoo

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Untreated silica
  • Rice starch
  • Kaolin clay

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Silica Dimethyl Silylate, common questions

Is Silica Dimethyl Silylate a microplastic?

Borderline. Silica particles surface-treated with a silicone. The core is mineral silica, the coating is a siloxane, so neither part is a microplastic.

Is Silica Dimethyl Silylate banned?

EU: Permitted. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Silica Dimethyl Silylate?

Cleaner alternatives include: Untreated silica; Rice starch; Kaolin clay.

What products contain Silica Dimethyl Silylate?

Commonly found in: Mattifying powders; Oil absorption; Primers; Dry shampoo.

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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