Polysilicone
What is it?
Polysilicone-15 is an organic compound that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light.
Safety Information
The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) conducted a safety evaluation of benzylidene malonate polysiloxane (Polysilicone-15). Based on their review, they concluded that use of this ingredient in cosmetic products as a UV light absorber at a maximum concentration of 10% would not pose a health hazard.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
In Europe, Polysilicone-15 is an approved UV filter, which means the ingredient can be added to sunscreen products that are designed to protect the skin from the sun. In Europe, sunscreen products are considered cosmetic products.
In the United States, sunscreen products are Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs and only certain ingredients have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in these products. In assessing sunscreen active ingredients, the FDA reviews both safety and efficacy. The safety and efficacy of Polysilicone-15 has not yet been reviewed for sunscreen use by the FDA and it cannot be used in sunscreen drug products.
For cosmetics in the United States, Polysilicone-15 can be used as a UV light absorber. In this case, the ingredient serves to protect the product from deterioration by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV light.
In the United States, sunscreen products are Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs and only certain ingredients have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in these products. In assessing sunscreen active ingredients, the FDA reviews both safety and efficacy. The safety and efficacy of Polysilicone-15 has not yet been reviewed for sunscreen use by the FDA and it cannot be used in sunscreen drug products.
For cosmetics in the United States, Polysilicone-15 can be used as a UV light absorber. In this case, the ingredient serves to protect the product from deterioration by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV light.
Scientific facts:
Polysilicone-15 is a broad spectrum UV absorber and a photostabilizer. UV radiation is an important cause of premature aging of the skin and in the development of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
