Polysilicone-15

pol-ee-SIL-ih-kone fif-TEEN

Conditioning Agent, UV Filter 7/10 Safety Not CGControversial Synthetic Vegan

What Is Polysilicone-15?

A silicone-based UV filter specifically designed for hair care. It absorbs UV radiation to protect hair color and structural integrity from sun damage.

Source: Synthetic silicone-UV filter hybrid

Origin: Synthetic

Also known as: Parsol SLX, Dimethicone/Diethylbenzalmalonate Copolymer

What Does Polysilicone-15 Do to Your Hair?

Absorbs UV-A and UV-B radiation to protect hair from photodamage. Prevents color fading from sun exposure and reduces protein degradation caused by UV rays. Also provides mild conditioning and smoothing.

Best For

Color-treated hair, sun-exposed hair, damaged hair, highlighted hair

Not Recommended For

None known

Concentration Matters

0.5-3% in hair products

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight
Color-treated: Safe Heat-damaged: Beneficial

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Avoid
CG Avoid

Safety & Regulation

7/10
AvoidCautionSafe

Considered safe for topical use in hair products. Provides UV protection without the concerns of some traditional chemical sunscreens. Not absorbed through skin significantly.

FDA Status: Approved

FDA-approved UV filter for cosmetic use. Specifically designed for hair photoprotection.

EWG Score: 2/10

HairAide Verdict

A specialized ingredient worth seeking out if you color your hair or spend significant time in the sun. Provides real UV protection to prevent color fading and structural damage.

Products That Contain Polysilicone-15

Leave-in conditioners, UV protectant sprays, color-protect products, styling products

Alternatives to Polysilicone-15

If you want to avoid Polysilicone-15, look for products with these ingredients instead:

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, physical UV blockers, UV-filtering plant oils

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Polysilicone-15 safe for hair?

Yes, Polysilicone-15 has a safety rating of 7/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Considered safe for topical use in hair products. Provides UV protection without the concerns of some traditional chemical sunscreens. Not absorbed through skin significantly.

Is Polysilicone-15 bad for curly hair?

Polysilicone-15 is not CG-method approved. Curly hair types may want to avoid this ingredient or use products containing it sparingly.

Is Polysilicone-15 CG-method approved?

No, Polysilicone-15 is not approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Polysilicone-15?

Some alternatives to Polysilicone-15 include: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, physical UV blockers, UV-filtering plant oils

Get Our Free Ingredient Decoder Cheat Sheet

Take the guesswork out of reading product labels. Our printable cheat sheet helps you decode ingredients while you shop.

Check What's In Your Products

Use our free Hair Product Label Analyzer to check any product's ingredient list instantly.

Analyze My Product →