Shin-Etsu claims new low-siloxane silicone emulsion

Tokyo – Shin-Etsu Chemical has developed a new improved type of silicone emulsions that comply with recent EU chemical restrictions on the concentration of certain siloxanes. 

The new silicone emulsions were developed with a high level of purification technology and show improved stability compared to the company's existing products, the Japanese materials supplier said in a 29 July statement.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adopted to impose restrictions on the placement of D4, D5, and D6 siloxanes* on the market in March.

The restrictions cover “supply as substances, as constituents of other substances, or in mixtures in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1 % weight by weight of each substance.” 

The measure applies to leave-on personal care products and other consumer/professional products containing D4, D5, and D6, as well as for wash-off and rinse-off cosmetic products containing D6.

The specific type of siloxanes, according to Shin-Etsu, do not raise any issues with regards to human health and the environment. 

Nevertheless, the company said it developed the new products in order to meet the requests of its customers and in consideration of the REACH regulations.

Silicone emulsions make mixing silicone and water with other materials easier. The process involves adding an emulsifying agent (surfactant) to such materials as silicone fluids and silicone resins and dispersing it in water. 

*D4 (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane), D5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane) and D6 (dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane) are used as chemical intermediates in the production of a wide range of silicone materials.