Welcome to the official website of Hubei ZhengJiu New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.!
What is the difference between emulsified silicone oil and water-soluble silicone oil?
2025-06-21
What is the difference between emulsified silicone oil and water-soluble silicone oil?
Emulsified silicone oil and water-soluble silicone oil are commonly used organosilicon materials in cosmetics, textiles, and industry. Although their names are similar, they have significant differences in chemical nature, performance characteristics, and applications.
I. Core Difference Comparison
1. Emulsified Silicone Oil
1) Chemical Nature
The core component is hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane or its derivatives. Through physical emulsification, surfactants disperse the oily silicone oil in water to form an emulsion.
2) Dissolution/Dispersion Mechanism
It relies on physical dispersion and the stabilizing effect of emulsifiers, with the silicone oil dispersed in water as tiny droplets.
3) Appearance and Stability
Appearance: Milky white opaque liquid
Stability: Relatively poor (sensitive to temperature, electrolytes, and pH)
4) Performance Characteristics
Can provide performance close to that of the original silicone oil:
Excellent lubricity
Good hydrophobicity
Excellent defoaming properties
Silky smooth skin feel
Has gloss
General-purpose release agent
Alkylphenol polyethoxylate (APEO) free
Compliant with Detergent Regulation (EC) No. 648/2004
Good freeze-thaw stability
2. Water-Soluble Silicone Oil
1) Chemical Nature
Chemically modified organosilicon compounds with numerous hydrophilic groups (such as polyether groups) grafted onto the polysiloxane chain.
2) Dissolution/Dispersion Mechanism
Relies on hydrogen bonding between hydrophilic groups and water molecules to achieve dissolution at the molecular level; usually does not require emulsifiers.
3) Appearance and Stability
Appearance: Clear transparent or slightly cloudy liquid
Stability: Very good (temperature, salt, and pH resistant)
4) Performance Characteristics
Performance is a balance after modification:
Retains lubricity and softness
Hydrophilicity is greatly enhanced
Weak defoaming ability
Refreshing, easily spreadable skin feel
II. Detailed Comparison Table
Characteristics | Emulsified Silicone Oil | Water-Soluble Silicone Oil |
Chemical Nature | Physically emulsified and dispersed hydrophobic silicone oil | Chemically modified silicone oil containing strong hydrophilic groups |
Solubility | Insoluble in water, disperses to form an emulsion | Soluble in water to form a true solution |
Key Components | Silicone oil + emulsifier | Silicone oil containing hydrophilic segments (such as PEG/PPG) |
Appearance | Milky white opaque | Clear transparent or slightly cloudy |
Stability | Poor (sensitive to temperature, electrolytes, and pH) | Very good (temperature, salt, and pH resistant) |
Performance Characteristics | Lubricating, hydrophobic, defoaming | Lubricating, soft, highly hydrophilic, low residue |
Skin Feel | Traditional silky smooth feel | Refreshing, dry, smooth feel, low residue |
III. Application Area Comparison
1. Emulsified Silicone Oil Applications
Personal care: Hair conditioners, shampoos, creams, lotions, cosmetics
Textile industry: Softening agents, water-repellent agents
Industrial applications: Defoaming agents, release agents, lubricants
Automotive care: Polishing agents, maintenance products
Leather processing: Softening and brightening agents
2. Water-Soluble Silicone Oil Applications
Transparent formulations: Transparent shampoos, shower gels, gels, serums
Mild formulations: Low-irritation skin care products
Refreshing skin feel products: Sunscreens, lotions, serums
Textile industry: Hydrophilic softening, anti-static finishing
Other fields: Metalworking fluids, agricultural adjuvants
IV. Summary of Core Differences
Physical form: Emulsified silicone oil is a physically emulsified suspension, while water-soluble silicone oil is a chemically modified true solution
Transparency: Emulsified silicone oil is opaque, while water-soluble silicone oil is transparent or slightly cloudy
Stability: Water-soluble silicone oil has significantly better stability than emulsified silicone oil
Hydrophilicity: Water-soluble silicone oil has stronger hydrophilicity and wettability
V. Selection Guide
Requires strong hydrophobicity, film-forming or antifoaming properties → Choose emulsified silicone oil
Requires transparent formulation, stable system, refreshing skin feel → Choose water-soluble silicone oil
Simply put: Emulsified silicone oil is "oil" physically dispersed in water, while water-soluble silicone oil is silicone oil molecules chemically modified to be soluble in water
Get Information
Learn more about ZhengJiu New Materials Company, and get updated product information.
Address: No. 29, Xingye Road, Qingji Industrial Park, Gong'an County, Jingzhou City, Hubei Province
Telephone:+86-716-5103131 / +8613331898180
Fax: +86-716-5103131
Email:sales@hbzjxc.com
Copyright © 2025 Hubei ZhengJiu New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.
Powered by www.300.cn This website supports dual access of IPV4/IPV6.