Shin-Etsu Silicones Unveils Next-Gen Raw Materials for Enhanced Cosmetic Textures and Soft-Focus Effects at In-Cosmetics Global

Global Cosmetic Industry Japan

Overview

Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe B.V. showcased a new generation of high-performance silicone raw materials at in-cosmetics Global 2026. Key launches included KF-6070W, a water-soluble silicone wax for smooth O/W textures, and KF-6080W, a high-performance O/W emulsifier compatible with organic oils and UV filters. The company also introduced WHP-100MS, a natural-origin hybrid powder for intense soft-focus effects, alongside various silicone elastomer gels and coated cellulose powders designed to enhance sensory experience and formulation flexibility in cosmetic applications.

In Depth

Background and Trends in the Cosmetics Industry

The cosmetics industry is increasingly demanding not only functional efficacy but also enhanced sensory experience and environmental compatibility to meet diverse consumer needs. Particularly in skincare and makeup products, smooth, non-tacky textures, natural soft-focus effects that conceal skin imperfections, and stable emulsification performance are crucial factors that determine product differentiation and market competitiveness. To address these challenges, high-performance raw materials, especially silicone technologies, are drawing significant attention.

Shin-Etsu Silicones’ Innovative Raw Materials

Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe B.V. unveiled its next-generation high-performance silicone raw materials for cosmetic applications at in-cosmetics Global 2026, showcasing new products that deliver innovative textures and soft-focus effects. Key announcements included:

• Water-Soluble Silicone Wax “KF-6070W”: This wax creates astonishingly smooth, non-tacky textures in O/W (oil-in-water) emulsions, enabling the development of skincare products that offer a comfortable feel. Its water-solubility also increases formulation flexibility.
• High-Performance O/W Emulsifier “KF-6080W”: A high-performance O/W emulsifier with excellent compatibility with organic oils and UV filters. This allows for the formation of stable emulsions and complex formulation designs, thereby improving product stability and performance.
• Natural-Origin Hybrid Powder “WHP-100MS”: This hybrid powder provides an intense soft-focus effect, effectively minimizing the appearance of fine lines and pores, and creating an even, matte finish. This brings new value to makeup and base makeup products.
• Various Silicone Elastomer Gels and Coated Cellulose Powders: Designed to enhance the sensory experience, these materials further improve the feel of products and expand formulation flexibility.

Technical Significance and Future Outlook

These innovative raw materials announced by Shin-Etsu Silicones open new possibilities for product development in the cosmetics industry. They will serve as crucial foundational technologies for offering high-performance, sensory-rich products, particularly to environmentally conscious consumers. The water-soluble silicone wax and high-performance emulsifiers enhance formulation freedom, leading to more stable emulsions and comfortable textures. Furthermore, the natural-origin soft-focus powder aligns with the clean beauty trend while delivering excellent skin-enhancing effects. Shin-Etsu Silicones aims to help cosmetic manufacturers develop products that exceed consumer expectations through these offerings, creating new value in silicone technology. The application scope of silicone technology in the adhesives and sealants sector is also expected to expand into diverse areas such as medical and electronics.