Ingredient deep-dive
Trimethylsiloxysilicate: Is It a Microplastic?
Silicone resin film-former that makes long-wear lipstick and foundation transfer-proof. A synthetic polymer that stays on skin for hours.
Where it appears
- Long-wear and "transfer-proof" lipstick
- 16-hour foundations
- Waterproof concealer
- Sweat-resistant sunscreen
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Silicone resins under consultation within the EU 2023/2055 framework.
United States
No federal restriction.
Cleaner alternatives
- Beeswax and candelilla-wax films
- Non-transfer-proof formulas
Use the app
Scan any product for Trimethylsiloxysilicate in 5 seconds
The MicroPlastics iOS app flags this ingredient and 24 others instantly. Paste a label into the free web ingredient checker first if you want a no-install scan.
Download on the App StoreTrimethylsiloxysilicate, common questions
Is Trimethylsiloxysilicate a microplastic?
Is Trimethylsiloxysilicate banned?
What can I use instead of Trimethylsiloxysilicate?
What products contain Trimethylsiloxysilicate?
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.
Read moreCyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane
Silicone · Medium concern
Cyclic siloxanes. D4 and D5 variants are EU-restricted in rinse-off products.
Read moreTrimethicone / Phenyl Trimethicone
Silicone · Low concern
Silicone polymer variant used for slip and shine.
Read morePolysilicone-X
Silicone · Medium concern
Synthetic silicone polymer family used as film-formers in long-wear makeup.
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