Polymer & Carrier Comparison Matrix

Foundation Film-Formers, Volatile Silicones & Mineral Primers

Compare how volatile siloxanes, MQ silicone resins, and crosspolymer elastomers govern dry-down speed, pore blurring, and transfer resistance across classic European and prestige complexion formulas.

Long-wear foundations achieve transfer resistance by pairing a volatile low-viscosity carrier (cyclopentasiloxane or isododecane) with an MQ resin film-former (trimethylsiloxysilicate). As the volatile phase evaporates within 8 to 12 minutes, the resin crosslinks around coated iron oxides to resist sebum breakdown.

Translucent silicone primer droplets beside sheer tinted emulsion ribbons on clear optical glass — Studio Plate 03: Volatile cyclomethicone primer droplets next to water-in-silicone tinted emulsions on borosilicate glass.

Filter Polymer Class (Zero Native Select)

INCI Ingredient	Class	Viscosity / MW	Primary Optical / Mechanical Role	EU Regulatory & Layering Note
Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)	Volatile	4 cSt (371 Da)	Weightless slip spread; flashes off cleanly	EU 0.1% wash-off limit Leave-on still active
Isododecane	Volatile	1.3 cSt (170 Da)	Fast matte dry-down; dissolves MQ resins	Can dehydrate compromised skin barriers
Isohexadecane	Volatile	3.5 cSt (226 Da)	Slower flash-off than isododecane; silky finish	Common in sheer French fluid bases
Trimethylsiloxysilicate	Resin	MQ 3D Cage	Transfer-proof pigment lock; water resistance	Pairs poorly with un-cured acrylic SPFs
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate	Resin	Hybrid Copolymer	Flexible breathability without rigid cracking	High smudge resistance in humid climates
PVP / VP-Eicosene Copolymer	Resin	Hydrophilic / Lipophilic	Film cohesion in water-based skin tints	Higher washability; minimal pore occlusion
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Elastomer	3D Gel Network	Fills micro-relief texture; velvet primer slip	Use < 0.3 g to avoid foundation rolling
Polymethylsilsesquioxane	Elastomer	2-5 um Sphere	Mie soft-focus scatter + sebum sorption	Zero white cast in flash photography

Archived Foundation & Primer Monographs

Archive: /hourglass-veil-mineral-primer-review/ (Silicone + Mineral UV Primer)

Preserved archive from the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer review: combines cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone crosspolymers, and zinc/titanium dioxide (SPF 15) to bridge pore-filling slip with a water-repellent canvas for mineral and liquid foundations.

Archive: /estee-lauder-double-wear-light-stay-in-place-makeup-review/

Preserved formulation record of Estee Lauder Double Wear Light: a water-in-silicone emulsion stabilized with trimethylsiloxysilicate and polymethylsilsesquioxane spheres for controlled oil absorption without heavy opacity.

Archive: /cover-fx-power-play-foundation-review/

Preserved formulation record of Cover FX Power Play: talc-free matte coverage anchored by fermented rice bran wax, silica spheres, and volatile isohexadecane across 40 neutral/golden/pink shade coordinates.

Archive: /chanel-perfection-lumiere-velvet-foundation-review/

Preserved formulation record of Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet: classic French fluid architecture using alcohol denat and isohexadecane for ultra-thin film deposition (~8 um) with soft-focus cellulose powders.

Archive: /laura-mercier-translucent-loose-setting-powder-review/ & Hourglass Veil Powder

Preserved comparison between talc-based Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (high sebum binding, slight matte cast on deep skin) and talc-free synthetic-mica Hourglass Veil Translucent Powder (translucent Mie scatter).