Ingredient dictionary

Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

A silicone-based polymer that forms a light, flexible film on skin or hair and helps products feel smooth and spread easily. It is on the label of 17 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: it is a silicone, a family some people avoid in curly-hair routines or to cut back on build-up, though silicones are generally considered safe.

Silicones. Smoothing film-formers ending in -cone or -siloxane, such as dimethicone.

What Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer does

Gives a smooth, soft feel
Helps products spread evenly
Forms a thin, flexible film

This ingredient is made in a lab. Chemists link silicone chains together into a web-like network, and add small cage-shaped silicon and oxygen units along the way. The result is a soft polymer that can be blended into creams, gels and sticks without taking over the formula.

Formulators use it to shape how a product feels. It gives a smooth, slightly cushiony finish, helps other ingredients spread evenly, and dries down into a thin film. It shows up often in acne treatment products, where it is used to give a light, smooth feel.

Good for

Anyone who wants a smooth, lightweight texture in skincare or makeup, and people who like the slip silicones give.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a silicone?

Yes. It is built on silicone chains, so it belongs to the silicone family. Silicones are widely used in skincare and makeup, and they are generally considered safe for most people.

Can it cause breakouts?

Any ingredient can bother some skin, and no one can promise a product will never cause breakouts. If a formula feels heavy or you notice irritation, stop using it and check with a dermatologist. Reading the full ingredient list helps you compare products.