Last April at in-cosmetics Global in Paris, Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe placed sensory innovation at the center of its latest developments, unveiling a portfolio of new silicone-based raw materials and formulation concepts designed to help cosmetic manufacturers respond to evolving consumer expectations.

Presented under the theme Cornucopia of Sensory Silicone Cosmetic Textures, the company’s innovation showcase focused on demonstrating how advanced silicone technologies can enable formulators to create differentiated textures across a broad spectrum of cosmetic applications while meeting market demands for performance, naturality and formulation flexibility.

During the show, Shin-Etsu highlighted a diverse range of galenic systems, including oil-in-water (O/W), water-in-silicone (W/Si) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, alongside aqueous gels, powders, biphasic systems and anhydrous products. The materials and textures showcased during the event were designed to enhance sensory performance while meeting growing demand for naturality, innovation and high-performance formulations.

Among the highlights was KF-6070W (INCI: PEG-17 Dimethicone), a water-soluble silicone wax developed for smooth and hydrating O/W formulations. The ingredient forms a soft film on the skin, providing a moist, comfortable after-feel while offering formulators greater freedom to develop a wide variety of lightweight textures.

The company also introduced KF-6080W (INCI: Cetyl PEG/PPG-10-1 Dimethicone), a high-performance O/W emulsifier designed to deliver excellent compatibility with both organic oils and organic UV filters. Its broad emulsification capability enables stable formulations with a fluid, non-tacky sensory profile, making it suitable for skincare, make-up and sun care applications.

For color cosmetics, the company unveiled WHP-100MS (INCI: Mica, Hydrated Silica), a hybrid powder with a Natural Origin Index of 1, the material provides an intense soft-focus effect together with a silky touch and strong oil absorption. Its proprietary silica coating enhances light diffusion and glide, offering formulators additional flexibility in achieving different finishes.

Further expanding its sensory portfolio, Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe presented two new silicone elastomer gels — KSG-16-SF and KSG-19-PF — designed to create distinctive tactile experiences. While KSG-16-SF enhances soft-focus and blurring effects, KSG-19-PF delivers a refined powdery skin feel without functioning as an emulsifier.

Another notable launch was X-52-7162 (INCI: Cellulose (and) Silica (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer), a silicone-coated cellulose powder engineered to improve soft-focus performance while maintaining excellent dispersibility. The material helps visually reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores, contributing both sensory and optical benefits to finished formulations.

According to Dr. Martin Kropfgans, Head of Sales, Cosmetics at Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe, visitor response to the company’s showcase exceeded expectations. “The event proved to be a real success, generating strong interest and highly positive feedback from visitors. The featured formulas showcased from the Texture Bar were particularly appreciated by customers for their sensoriality, originality, and performance — notably the Pearl bubble glow for its innovation, and Cream to powder that contains KSG-19-PF and WHP-100MS,” he said.

The positive reception now moves into the next phase, with many customers preparing laboratory evaluations of the newly introduced materials.