In September 2025, the application of
ethyl silicone oil in the cosmetics field will continue to deepen due to its safety and functional advantages. Data shows that in the first half of 2025, the market share of silicone oil based skincare products will reach 32%, an increase of 10 percentage points from 2022, with Clean Beauty products accounting for over 60%.
Technological innovation meets the demand for pure beauty makeup
Traditional silicone oil has been questioned for its bioaccumulation due to the presence of cyclic siloxanes (D4/D5). In 2025, the company will develop ethyl silicone oil with zero D4/D5 residue through "linear siloxane polymerization technology", which meets the requirements of the EU EC 1907/2006 regulation. The "plant-based silicone oil" launched by a certain enterprise is made from corn starch as raw material and synthesized through biocatalysis, reducing its carbon footprint by 70% compared to traditional products. It has obtained ECOCERT organic certification.
Functional expansion creates differentiated competition
Enterprises endow silicone oil with new characteristics through molecular design. For example, the "sunscreen silicone oil" developed by a certain enterprise can absorb 280-400nm ultraviolet light by introducing a phenyl group, with an SPF value of 50+, and has no irritation from traditional chemical sunscreen agents; Another company has developed the "intelligent response silicone oil", whose viscosity changes with temperature. It is fluid at 25 β, which is easy to apply. It is solidified at 37 β, forming a lasting protective film, which is used in high-end face cream products.
Sustainable packaging and silicone oil recycling
To reduce environmental impact, the company is exploring a silicone oil packaging recycling system. In 2025, a certain brand launched the "Silicone Oil Bottle Recycling Program", where consumers can earn points to exchange for new products after returning empty bottles. The recycled PET material is processed and used to produce new packaging. In addition, the "silicone oil water emulsification technology" developed by a certain enterprise increases the water content of the product from 5% to 30%, reduces transportation energy consumption, and lowers single bottle carbon emissions by 20%.
Reshaping the Market Landscape
The trend of pure beauty is driving a reshuffle in the industry. In 2025, the international beauty giants have increased the investment in silicone oil research and development. The "silicone oil microcapsule essence" launched by a brand will improve the stability of active substances through nano packaging technology, and the sales volume will exceed 100 million yuan in three months after listing; Domestic emerging brands focus on segmented scenarios. The "scalp care silicone oil" developed by a certain enterprise achieves a balance between oil control and smoothness by adjusting the molecular weight distribution of silicone oil, with a repurchase rate of 45%. Industry forecast: By 2027, the market size of silicone oil-based cosmetics will reach 50 billion yuan, with a compound annual growth rate of 18%.
