PRODUCT FAMILY
Speciality Cosmetic Alkyl-Modified Silicones
Alkyl-modified silicones are the modern alternative to cyclic silicones for formulators serving European Union, United Kingdom, and other regulated markets. By substituting alkyl groups (propyl, caprylyl, or longer carbon chains) onto the siloxane backbone, NISHKA develops silicones that match the volatility, spread, and sensory feel of Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) — without the cyclic siloxane regulatory profile. NISH PT103 (Propyl Trisiloxane) is the flagship of this family: its solubility and volatility characteristics are comparable with D5, with documented performance equivalence in skincare, suncare, and color cosmetic applications. Critical for formulators developing products for EU/UK markets where D4 and D5 are SVHC-restricted in wash-off cosmetics above 0.1%.
Family at a Glance
The Chemistry
Alkyl-modified silicones are built by attaching alkyl side chains to the siloxane backbone in place of, or alongside, methyl groups. Short-chain alkyl variants (propyl, as in Propyl Trisiloxane NISH PT103) deliver volatility and spreading properties close to D5. Medium-chain variants (caprylyl, as in NISH CM100) remain non-volatile but deliver a distinctive dry, non-greasy skin feel. Longer-chain alkyl silicones contribute to emolliency, skin feel, and compatibility with natural oils. Because none of these compounds contain ring siloxane structures, they are outside the D4/D5 regulatory framework — making them the chemistry of choice for EU/UK-compliant formulations across wash-off and leave-on categories.
Products in Alkyl-Modified Silicones
All specifications sourced from official Technical Data Sheets.
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NISH PT103 1–2 cSt at 25°CPropyl TrisiloxaneShort-chain trisiloxane with a propyl group — solubility and volatility comparable to Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), without the regulatory concerns.
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics - NISH CM100 3 cSt at 25°CCaprylyl Methicone
Caprylyl methicone — short-chain alkyl-modified silicone.
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics - NISH PM104 6–8 cSt at 25°CPropyl Methicone
Low molecular weight alkyl-modified silicone fluid — propyl-substituted dimethylsiloxane, cyclic-free.
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics
Compare products in this family
Side-by-side specifications for Alkyl-Modified Silicones products.
| Specification | NISH PT103 | NISH CM100 | NISH PM104 |
|---|---|---|---|
| INCI Name | Propyl Trisiloxane | Caprylyl Methicone | Propyl Methicone |
| CAS Number | Speciality (trisiloxane) | 17955-88-3 | Speciality (alkyl-modified silicone) |
| Viscosity | 1–2 cSt at 25°C | 3 cSt at 25°C | 6–8 cSt at 25°C |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Clear colorless compound | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Key applications | Skincare, Haircare, Color Cosmetics | Skincare, Haircare, Color Cosmetics | Skincare, Haircare, Color Cosmetics |
| TDS | Download PDF | Download PDF | Download PDF |
Common Questions
Alkyl-Modified Silicones — Frequently Asked
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Alkyl-modified silicones attach alkyl side chains (propyl, caprylyl) to the siloxane backbone to deliver D5-like spread and feel without cyclic siloxane chemistry. NISHKA's family includes NISH PM104 (Propyl Methicone) and NISH CM100 (Caprylyl Methicone).
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Because they contain no ring siloxane structures, alkyl-modified silicones fall outside the D4/D5 regulatory framework. This makes them suitable for EU and UK markets, where D4 and D5 are SVHC-restricted in wash-off cosmetics above 0.1%, while delivering comparable volatility, spread, and sensory feel.
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Short-chain variants such as Propyl Methicone (NISH PM104) deliver volatility and spreading closer to D5. Medium-chain Caprylyl Methicone (NISH CM100) is non-volatile and delivers a distinctive dry, non-greasy skin feel.
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Yes. Because they are non-cyclic, they sit outside the D4/D5 SVHC restriction framework, making them suitable for EU/UK-compliant wash-off and leave-on cosmetic products.
Related Insights
Alkyl-Modified Silicones — formulation reading.
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