Why does dimethicone, a cosmetic ingredient, give matte cosmetics a velvety feel?
Release Time : 2026-01-05
In the contemporary trend of pursuing a "high-end" feel in makeup, "velvet," "soft matte," and "matte" have become keywords for high-end lip and base makeup products. One of the core secrets to achieving this unique skin feel is dimethicone derivatives, represented by spherical silicone elastic powder. Despite having "oil" in its name, this specially structured silicone-based material is not traditional liquid silicone oil, but rather micron-sized elastic microspheres formed through cross-linking technology, possessing both smoothness, lightness, and optical finishing properties. Its ability to create a velvety, dry yet non-drying feel in matte cosmetics stems from its unique physical structure, surface properties, and skin interaction mechanism.
1. Spherical Microparticle Structure: The Foundation for a "Powder-like Smooth" Feel
While ordinary liquid dimethicone is lubricating, it can also create an oily sheen, contradicting the matte finish goal. The spherical silicone elastic powder used in high-end makeup is made by cross-linking dimethicone molecules through platinum catalysis to form elastic microspheres with a three-dimensional network structure. These microspheres typically have a particle size between 5 and 30 micrometers, are highly regular in shape, and have a smooth and elastic surface. When applied to the skin, countless tiny spheres spread across the skin's surface like "miniature rollerballs," significantly reducing the coefficient of friction and providing a smooth, lightweight, and non-drag-free makeup application experience. Simultaneously, its solid powder form avoids an oily feel, perfectly meeting the "dry touch" requirement of matte formulas.
2. Porous Elastomer: Oil Absorption and Light Control, Enhancing Matte Effect
The spherical silicone elastic powder contains micropores or low cross-linking density regions, giving it a certain ability to absorb oil and water. In lip glosses or foundations, it can absorb sebum and sweat, preventing makeup from reflecting light or fading due to oiliness, thus maintaining a long-lasting matte finish. More importantly, this microporous structure effectively scatters light—when light hits the skin surface covered with microspheres, multiple diffuse reflections occur, weakening the contrast between skin texture and fine lines, creating a "soft-focus" visual effect. This is precisely the optical principle behind how velvet lip gloss "blurs lip lines" and loose powder "smooths skin and minimizes pores."
3. Non-clogging and Breathable: Balancing Efficacy and Skin Feel
Unlike traditional powders that can accumulate and clog pores, spherical silicone elastic powder, due to its high elasticity and low surface energy, is less likely to form a dense buildup at the pore opening. Even when filled into fine lines, it deforms naturally with facial expressions without becoming stuck, and can be easily removed with water after use. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for "non-comedogenic" formulas, especially suitable for oily, combination, and sensitive skin, providing a luxurious feel while ensuring skin health.
4. Formula Synergy: Enhancing Overall Makeup Stability
This ingredient not only improves the feel but also acts as a multifunctional additive to enhance product performance. In matte lipsticks, it synergizes with film-forming polymers to form a flexible film, reducing tightness and cracking caused by dryness. In liquid foundations, it improves powder dispersion uniformity, prevents clumping, and makes makeup adhere better. Furthermore, its chemical inertness ensures good compatibility with pigments, sunscreens, and active ingredients, without affecting product stability.
5. Precise Expression of Sensory Aesthetics
From a consumer experience perspective, the "velvety touch" is not only a physical sensation but also a psychological suggestion—representing refinement, luxury, and comfort. Spherical silicone elastic powder, by mimicking the delicate texture of fabric, successfully transforms the abstract concept of "luxury" into a perceptible tactile language, becoming an important carrier of brand differentiation.
In conclusion, the reason why dimethicone-derived spherical silicone elastic powder can give matte cosmetics a unique velvety feel is a sophisticated combination of materials science and sensory aesthetics. Its microspherical structure achieves multiple benefits—smooth without being oily, matte without being dry, and concealing without clogging—redefining the skin feel standard of modern makeup. In today's pursuit of "makeup and skincare in one" and sensory pleasure, this ingredient is continuously driving cosmetics towards becoming smarter, more comfortable, and more beautiful.
1. Spherical Microparticle Structure: The Foundation for a "Powder-like Smooth" Feel
While ordinary liquid dimethicone is lubricating, it can also create an oily sheen, contradicting the matte finish goal. The spherical silicone elastic powder used in high-end makeup is made by cross-linking dimethicone molecules through platinum catalysis to form elastic microspheres with a three-dimensional network structure. These microspheres typically have a particle size between 5 and 30 micrometers, are highly regular in shape, and have a smooth and elastic surface. When applied to the skin, countless tiny spheres spread across the skin's surface like "miniature rollerballs," significantly reducing the coefficient of friction and providing a smooth, lightweight, and non-drag-free makeup application experience. Simultaneously, its solid powder form avoids an oily feel, perfectly meeting the "dry touch" requirement of matte formulas.
2. Porous Elastomer: Oil Absorption and Light Control, Enhancing Matte Effect
The spherical silicone elastic powder contains micropores or low cross-linking density regions, giving it a certain ability to absorb oil and water. In lip glosses or foundations, it can absorb sebum and sweat, preventing makeup from reflecting light or fading due to oiliness, thus maintaining a long-lasting matte finish. More importantly, this microporous structure effectively scatters light—when light hits the skin surface covered with microspheres, multiple diffuse reflections occur, weakening the contrast between skin texture and fine lines, creating a "soft-focus" visual effect. This is precisely the optical principle behind how velvet lip gloss "blurs lip lines" and loose powder "smooths skin and minimizes pores."
3. Non-clogging and Breathable: Balancing Efficacy and Skin Feel
Unlike traditional powders that can accumulate and clog pores, spherical silicone elastic powder, due to its high elasticity and low surface energy, is less likely to form a dense buildup at the pore opening. Even when filled into fine lines, it deforms naturally with facial expressions without becoming stuck, and can be easily removed with water after use. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for "non-comedogenic" formulas, especially suitable for oily, combination, and sensitive skin, providing a luxurious feel while ensuring skin health.
4. Formula Synergy: Enhancing Overall Makeup Stability
This ingredient not only improves the feel but also acts as a multifunctional additive to enhance product performance. In matte lipsticks, it synergizes with film-forming polymers to form a flexible film, reducing tightness and cracking caused by dryness. In liquid foundations, it improves powder dispersion uniformity, prevents clumping, and makes makeup adhere better. Furthermore, its chemical inertness ensures good compatibility with pigments, sunscreens, and active ingredients, without affecting product stability.
5. Precise Expression of Sensory Aesthetics
From a consumer experience perspective, the "velvety touch" is not only a physical sensation but also a psychological suggestion—representing refinement, luxury, and comfort. Spherical silicone elastic powder, by mimicking the delicate texture of fabric, successfully transforms the abstract concept of "luxury" into a perceptible tactile language, becoming an important carrier of brand differentiation.
In conclusion, the reason why dimethicone-derived spherical silicone elastic powder can give matte cosmetics a unique velvety feel is a sophisticated combination of materials science and sensory aesthetics. Its microspherical structure achieves multiple benefits—smooth without being oily, matte without being dry, and concealing without clogging—redefining the skin feel standard of modern makeup. In today's pursuit of "makeup and skincare in one" and sensory pleasure, this ingredient is continuously driving cosmetics towards becoming smarter, more comfortable, and more beautiful.