How to Use AccessSIL DM-2 in Your Formulations
Understanding AccessSIL DM-2
AccessSIL DM-2 is a type of silicone known as dimethicone. If you’ve ever used a product that felt incredibly smooth, velvety, and luxurious on your skin or hair, it likely contained an ingredient like this. Think of it as a sensory enhancer—its primary job is to improve the texture and feel of your final product, making it glide on beautifully and leave a soft, non-greasy finish.
For the more technical formulator, AccessSIL DM-2 is a low molecular weight, straight-chain polydimethylsiloxane. Its lower weight contributes to its light feel and excellent spreadability. When applied, it forms a breathable, non-occlusive barrier on the skin that helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy or clogging pores. A key benefit is its non-skin cooling vaporization; unlike some volatile ingredients that create a cooling sensation as they evaporate, this dimethicone provides a clean, neutral sensory experience.
Formulation Tips
You can use AccessSIL DM-2 across a wide range of concentrations. For a subtle improvement in skin feel in a lotion, start with 1–3%. For more noticeable slip in a primer or a hair serum, use 5–10% or higher in specialized formulas.
Here’s how to incorporate it:
- For emulsions (creams/lotions): Add AccessSIL DM-2 to your oil phase. It can be added before heating or during cool-down, as it is stable across a wide temperature range.
- For anhydrous (water-free) products: Simply blend with other oils and silicones to adjust slip and after-feel.
AccessSIL DM-2 is a fantastic problem-solver. If your cream feels tacky or drags during application, adding a small percentage can instantly improve slip and after-feel. It is compatible with most cosmetic oils, esters, and other silicones, making it an easy-to-use and highly effective texture modifier.
Key Formulation Benefits:
- Signature Silky Feel: Instantly imparts a classic, velvety, non-greasy finish to skin and hair.
- Enhanced Spreadability: Dramatically improves glide and ensures even application of actives, pigments, and UV filters.
- Hair Shine and Conditioning: Aids detangling, reduces frizz, and adds a healthy-looking shine.
- Lightweight Skin Protection: Forms a breathable barrier that helps reduce TEWL without heaviness.
- Reduces Tackiness: Minimizes greasy or sticky after-feel for a clean, powdery-soft finish.
- Formulation Versatility: Effective at low levels across lotions, serums, color cosmetics, sun care, and AP/DO formats.