Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
AKA: Silicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Copolymer
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Silicone
Clean
Dimethylsiloxane/cetearylmethylsiloxane copolymer, polymer with vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane
CAS #
243137-50-0
Form
Liquid
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A complex synthetic crosspolymer blending cetyl and stearyl alcohols, silicones, and vinyl chemistry, developed in the late 20th century. Created to enhance texture, spreadability, and water resistance in cosmetic formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR