Silicone Elastomeric Particles in Skin Care Applications

Silicone elastomeric particles are spherical particles of vulcanized silicone rubber based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). These particles have a mean particle size distribution of 2-10µm and they are produced commercially via an aqueous emulsion process. Silicone elastomeric particles are used in industrial and personal care applications, the latter include both skin care and hair care. When applied to skin, silicone elastomer particles impart a pleasant sensation and they are also capable of absorbing various liquids such as emollients and sebum. Thus silicone elastomeric particles can be used in skin care applications to deliver certain substances to skin or to control sebum deposition on skin. Described are preparation and properties of silicone elastomeric particles and their uses in some skin care applications.