Phenyl Methyl Silicone Oil IOTA 556 is a cosmetic-grade fluid, chemically known as Polymethylphenylsiloxane. It is a phenyl-modified polysiloxane specifically engineered to enhance the performance and sensory properties of a wide range of cosmetic and personal care formulations. Its unique structure offers a superior alternative to conventional dimethicones, providing exceptional compatibility with organic ingredients and a luxurious, non-greasy feel.

Key Characteristics and Benefits

The value of IOTA 556 lies in its multifaceted benefits, which address common formulation challenges:

1. Superior Skin Feel: It forms a soft, invisible, and breathable film on the skin and hair. This provides excellent emolliency and easy spreadability without any heavy, greasy, or tacky residue, resulting in a characteristically luxurious and non-oily sensory experience.

2. Excellent Compatibility: A primary advantage of IOTA 556 is its outstanding solubility and compatibility with a vast array of cosmetic ingredients. It is exceptionally soluble in 95% ethanol (up to 50% by weight at low temperatures) and blends seamlessly with many organic oils, esters, and UV filters. This makes it an ideal ingredient for creating homogeneous and stable formulations.

3. Sensory and Performance Modifier: It acts as an effective anti-tack and anti-stick agent. When added to formulations, it can significantly reduce the tackiness and stickiness imparted by other functional ingredients like polymers or high concentrations of sunscreen actives, thereby improving end-user comfort.

4. Optical and Hair Care Benefits: With a refractive index of 1.46, it enhances the natural gloss and luminosity of both skin and hair. In hair care products, it imparts remarkable shine, softness, and improved manageability, helping to reduce frizz and make hair easier to style.

5. Formulation Versatility: The fluid is easily emulsified using standard surfactants and common techniques, facilitating its incorporation into both rinse-off and leave-on emulsions. It is also resistant to oxidation, contributing to the shelf-life stability of the final product.

Primary Applications

Due to its versatile properties, IOTA 556 is suitable for a diverse range of cosmetic products:

• Sun Care: Used in sunscreen lotions, creams, and sprays to improve the spreadability of UV filters, reduce whitening, and eliminate the sticky feel often associated with high SPF formulations.

• Skin Care: Ideal for face and body lotions, creams, and pre-shave lotions where a smooth, silky, and non-greasy finish is desired.

• Hair Care: Serves as a high-efficacy glossing and conditioning agent in hair sprays, conditioners, serums, and other grooming aids.

Typical Physical Properties

• Appearance: Colorless liquid

• Viscosity at 25°C: 22.5 (no unit specified, typically mm²/s or cSt)

• Specific Gravity (25°C/15.6°C): 0.980

• Refractive Index at 25°C: 1.46

• Flash Point (closed cup): >100 °C

• Acid Number: 0.10 mg KOH/g

Regulatory and Handling

The product is referenced in the Japanese Standards of Cosmetic Ingredients (JSCI) under the name Methylphenylpolysiloxane. As with all chemical substances, appropriate handling precautions should be taken. It is essential to consult the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and container labels for comprehensive information on safe handling, and physical and health hazards before use.

In summary, Phenyl Methyl Silicone Oil IOTA 556 is a premium, multifunctional ingredient that empowers formulators to create products with enhanced sensory attributes, improved stability, and superior consumer appeal.