Silicone technology provider Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc. has expanded its personal care formulation portfolio with a series of high-performance ingredient launches centered on advanced light diffusion, sebum control and natural-origin structural enhancement.
This includes new tools designed to bridge the gap between traditional silicone performance and high-purity, sustainable consumer aesthetics.
WHP-100MS: Functional Hybrid Powder Shakes Up Light Diffusion
At the forefront of the structural launches is WHP-100MS (INCI: mica, hydrated silica), a specialized, white hybrid powder engineered to optimize skin optics and tactical sliding behaviors.
The particle structure features a core of mica covered by a mesoporous silica layer and spherical, monodisperse silica on its outer surface.
The two distinct types of surface silica work together to scatter light across a significantly wider angle than traditional mica, eliminating visible light reflection to generate an immediate soft-focus effect. This architecture completely removes the "creaking feel" typical of standard mineral powders, delivering a low coefficient of friction and smoother sliding texture on the skin.
Thanks to the highly porous properties of the mesoporous silica layer, WHP-100MS delivers exceptional oil absorption metrics across multiple cosmetic fluids, including dimethicone, neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate, triethylhexanoin and olive squalane.
In showcase applications like Shin-Etsu's O/W Shine Control Primer (formulation CAL27-63B), an 8.00% load of WHP-100MS is paired with the brand's KSG-19 elastomer gel to establish long-term mattifying performance and total shine control.
USG-1012HC: High-Clarity, Non-Emulsifying Crosspolymer
Developed as an elegant thickening agent for low-viscosity silicone and organic oils, USG-1012HC (INCI: C13-15 alkane (and) dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer) addresses the market demand for zero-residue skin smoothing.
Carrying a natural organic index (NOI) of 0.87, this colorless silicone gel is pre-diluted in a natural-based hydrocarbon (C13-15 alkane) and features a solid content of 13%.
Engineered with excellent oil-thickening capabilities, USG-1012HC provides a dry, silky and mattifying skin feel that instantly softens the skin profile. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing properties make it a primary choice for base layers, as demonstrated in the W/O Smoothing Face Serum (formulation CAL27-52F), where it creates a non-greasy finish for product layering.
KSG-850: Alkyl/Polyglycerin Co-Modified Emulsifier for High-Natural Index Systems
Catering to the clean-ical beauty transition, Shin-Etsu has launched KSG-850 (INCI: coco-caprylate/caprate (and) lauryl dimethicone/polyglycerin-3 crosspolymer), a specialized cross-linked silicone gel emulsifier suspended in a natural-origin oil base.
The polymer framework features alkyl-modified silicone chains cross-linked with a hydrophilic polyglycerin chain to create a stable, multi-functional elastomer network.
Formulated with a coco-caprylate/caprate base oil for maximum skin affinity, KSG-850 dramatically improves the emulsion stability of W/O and anhydrous systems containing heavy concentrations of organic oils or organic UV filters. A dynamic gliding test confirms that KSG-850 delivers a notably lower coefficient of friction than standard polyglycerin gels like KSG-830, imparting a lighter, smoother texture.
The chemical composition of KSG-850 makes it highly compatible with "water break" formulations. When integrated with the co-emulsifier KF-6105, it allows for the formation of organic-rich W/O systems that contain very large volumes of water.
Shin-Etsu has demonstrated the agility of this emulsifier system across two distinct showcase matrices:
- Nourishing Face Cream (CAL25-59B): a PEG-free, organic-rich formula achieving a 95% natural origin index (per ISO 16128) that utilizes a high level of KF-6105 to decrease emulsion particle size for a dense, moisture-rich texture.
- Water Drop Face Cream (US02-186): A lightweight cream achieving a 98% natural origin index that releases a visible flash of fresh moisture upon initial rub-in, paired with KSG-45 to leave a light, powdery after-feel on the skin.
