Polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) Silicone Microspheres
Peflon PMSQ silicone microspheres with a traceability code from the China Medical Products Administration — for cosmetics, LED / LCD light diffusion and optical films.
- ISO 9001 Certified
- Free Sample
- D50 Particle Size: 0.8 – 10 µm
- 11 ready-to-ship grades (PF-9 series)
- REACH / EU 1223/2009 cosmetic compliant
What is PMSQ Silicone Microspheres?
Peflon Polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) is a silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and optical applications. In beauty products it provides silky touch, oil absorption and a long-lasting matte finish. In optical materials it acts as a light diffuser — improving brightness and clarity in displays. As a silicone resin it belongs to the same materials family produced upstream by silicone-resin leaders such as Wacker.
The INCI name is Polymethylsilsesquioxane, registered in the personal-care ingredient databases of Cosmetics Info, EWG Skin Deep and the EU CosIng inventory. Peflon supplies the complete PF-9 series — cosmetic-grade (PF-94xx) and light-diffusion-grade (PF-9xx) — manufactured under a traceable, lot-controlled process.
Four Reasons Formulators Choose PMSQ
Smooth, Silky Touch
Signature silicone feel for cosmetic formulations — powders, foundations, primers.
Excellent Oil Absorption
Extends makeup wear time by absorbing sebum and preserving matte finish.
High Transparency
Refractive stability for optical materials — LED / LCD brightness and clarity.
Thermal & Chemical Resistance
Stable performance across temperature and chemistry — reliable in demanding uses.
Cosmetic Grade Silicone Microspheres
White spherical PMSQ powder for skin-feel, oil-control and matte finish — safe for skin contact. Five stocked particle sizes from 4 µm to 10 µm. Click any grade name to download its TDS PDF.
| Grade | Appearance | D50 (µm) | Bulk Density (g/L) | pH | Moisture (%) | Organic | Whiteness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PF-9404 | White spherical powder | 4 | 400 – 700 | 6.0 ± 1.0 | < 1.0 | N.D. | ≥ 95 |
| PF-9405 | White spherical powder | 5 | 400 – 700 | 6.0 ± 1.0 | < 1.0 | N.D. | ≥ 95 |
| PF-9406 | White spherical powder | 6 | 400 – 700 | 6.0 ± 1.0 | < 1.0 | N.D. | ≥ 95 |
| PF-9408 | White spherical powder | 8 | 400 – 700 | 6.0 ± 1.0 | < 1.0 | N.D. | ≥ 95 |
| PF-9410 | White spherical powder | 10 | 400 – 700 | 6.0 ± 1.0 | < 1.0 | N.D. | ≥ 95 |
Recommended applications — cosmetic powders & skin-care formulations (forms a soft protective film, improves silky hand feel, sweat resistance and coverage of foundation, BB / CC, and skincare); facial & eye cosmetics (eye shadow, mascara, brow products, blush). Suggested addition: 0.5% – 25.0% depending on substrate, target finish and process. See cosmetic-grade silicone microspheres for a full formulator's guide.
Light Diffusion Grade Silicone Microspheres
Refractive-stable PMSQ microspheres for LED, LCD and optical-film light diffusion. For the full optical grade line, see our dedicated LED light-diffusion page.
Peflon also supplies dedicated light-diffusion grades PF-900–PF-905 (D50 0.8–5 µm, refractive index 1.40–1.43) engineered for LED/LCD diffuser haze and transmittance control. For the full grade table, optical data and TDS downloads, see our dedicated Silicone Microspheres for LED Light Diffusion page.
Recommended applications — light-diffusion plate / film (combine with PC, PMMA, PS, PP and other resins; also added to spray agents to give films a light-diffusion function); coatings & inks (matte finish, smoothness, hydrophobicity, soft tactile sensation, high heat / solvent resistance). Suggested addition: 0.5% – 2.0% — adjust by substrate, material thickness and surface treatment. See silicone microspheres for LED light diffusion for a full optical-engineering guide.
How to Choose the Right PMSQ Particle Size
D50 particle size is the single most important parameter for both cosmetic feel and optical performance. Use this table as a starting point — Peflon's technical team can fine-tune the grade after seeing your formulation or substrate.
| D50 µm | Recommended Grade | Best For | Sensory / Optical Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 – 1 | PF-900 | High-transparency LED diffuser, anti-glare film | Highest light transmittance, slight haze |
| 1.5 | PF-901 | LCD backlight diffuser, optical film | Balanced transmittance and diffusion |
| 2 | PF-902 | LED lampshades, light boxes | Strong diffusion, soft glow |
| 3 | PF-903 | Diffusion plates, thick optical resin | High haze, even illumination |
| 4 | PF-904 / PF-9404 | Optical diffuser or cosmetic primer | Maximum diffusion for optics; subtle blur for cosmetics |
| 5 | PF-905 / PF-9405 | Thick light-diffusion sheets or face powder | Strong diffusion in optics; silky slip in skincare |
| 6 | PF-9406 | Loose powder, pressed powder | Silky touch, oil-control, blur effect |
| 8 | PF-9408 | Foundation, BB cream, eye shadow | Cushion-soft feel, enhanced coverage |
| 10 | PF-9410 | Body powder, color cosmetics, blur primer | Maximum soft-focus, velvet finish |
PMSQ with Controlled Raw Material Inputs
PMSQ performance starts with raw material control. Without stable inputs, downstream testing becomes meaningless. Peflon manages production with defined raw material specifications — reducing variability before qualification even begins.
Defined Acceptance Criteria
Defined raw material acceptance criteria — every silane intermediate enters the line only after spec-sheet match.
Reduced Formulation Drift
Reduced formulation drift during scale-up — your lab bench result is what you get at production volume.
Fewer Upstream Re-Tests
Fewer re-tests caused by upstream variation — saves time and reduces wasted formulation cycles.
Why Choose Peflon Silicone Microspheres
Dedicated PMSQ production lines with tailored solutions for cosmetic and optical industries.
Cosmetic-Ready
Stable particle size for smooth formulation. Safety & compliance with cosmetic regulations including EU 1223/2009 and US FDA cosmetic guidance.
Optical Performance
High transparency, efficient light diffusion. Engineered for LEDs, LCDs and optical films — refractive index 1.40 – 1.43 across the PF-9xx range.
Reliable Supply
Large-scale production, stable supply. Competitive pricing without compromising quality — backed by ISO 9001 and full REACH / RoHS / FDA documentation.
PMSQ Silicone Microsphere Cross-Reference
Looking for a cost-effective alternative to a major brand of PMSQ or silicone resin microsphere? Peflon's PF-9 series is widely used by OEM cosmetic and optical-film manufacturers as a quality-matched replacement for the following industry-leading products.
| Brand | Series / Product | Typical Peflon Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Momentive Tospearl™ | Tospearl 120 / 130 / 145 / 1110 / 2000B | Peflon PF-9404 / 9406 / 9408 / 9410 (cosmetic) · PF-901 / 903 (optical) |
| Shin-Etsu KMP Series | KMP-590 / 591 / 594 / 597 / 605 | Peflon PF-9404 / 9405 / 9406 (cosmetic skin-feel) |
| Dow DOWSIL™ / EP Series | DOWSIL EP-9215 / EP-9289 Cosmetic Powder | Peflon PF-9405 / PF-9408 (cosmetic) |
| Wacker BELSIL® POW | BELSIL POW 1500 / POW 7400 | Peflon PF-9406 / PF-9410 (cosmetic) |
| Kobo Silicone Spheres | Various INCI Polymethylsilsesquioxane SKUs | Peflon PF-9404 / 9405 / 9406 / 9408 / 9410 |
| AICA Tospearl Light-Diffusion | Optical diffuser PMSQ | Peflon PF-900 / 901 / 902 / 903 / 904 / 905 |
| Generic OEM PMSQ Powder | Various private-label spherical silicone powders | Peflon PF-9 Series · OEM Packaging |
Tospearl™, KMP, DOWSIL™, BELSIL® and other names are trademarks of their respective owners. Peflon is an independent manufacturer of equivalent polymethylsilsesquioxane microspheres and supplies OEM / private-label customers worldwide.
Storage and Handling
Standard packaging across the entire PF-9 series — covered by uniform handling and storage instructions.
Packaging
Double-layer polyethylene plastic bags packed in cardboard boxes — net weight 20 kg per box (2 × 10 kg). OEM private-label packaging available on request.
Storage & Handling
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- After unpacking, seal and store the product to prevent moisture from affecting its use.
- Wear masks and gloves during work; maintain good workplace ventilation.
FAQ of Silicone Microspheres
What is the function of PMSQ in cosmetics?
PMSQ adds silky touch, absorbs oil and helps create a long-lasting matte finish in powders, foundations and skincare formulations.
Is PMSQ safe for skin contact?
Yes — cosmetic-grade PMSQ is safe, tested for skin compatibility and widely used in powders, foundations and personal-care products. It is listed in the EU CosIng inventory and ranked by EWG Skin Deep as a low-hazard cosmetic ingredient.
How does PMSQ improve light diffusion?
PMSQ offers high transparency and refractive-index stability (1.40 – 1.43), enhancing brightness and clarity in LED and LCD displays as well as optical films. The spherical shape scatters light uniformly while keeping overall transmittance high.
What forms of PMSQ are available?
PMSQ is available as fine powder for cosmetics and as resin / powder grades for optical applications — D50 from 0.8 µm up to 10 µm. Peflon's full PF-9 series covers 11 stock grades.
What is the difference between PF-9xx (optical) and PF-94xx (cosmetic) series?
PF-9xx is optimised for optical diffusion (refractive index 1.40 – 1.43, thermal weight loss < 1.5% for plastic-extrusion compatibility). PF-94xx is optimised for cosmetic use (whiteness ≥ 95, pH 6.0 ± 1.0, larger D50 for skin-feel and blur effect). Both share the same PMSQ chemistry but with different particle distribution and surface character.
What is the suggested addition level?
Optical grades (PF-9xx): 0.5% – 2.0% in PC / PMMA / PS / PP resin systems. Cosmetic grades (PF-94xx): 0.5% – 25.0% depending on whether you are adding for skin feel (low %), oil-control (mid %) or as a primary powder filler (high %). Adjust by substrate, target finish and process.
Can I get a free sample to test?
Yes — Peflon ships free 100–500 g samples globally for evaluation. Tell us your application (cosmetic / optical / coatings) and target D50, and we will dispatch within 3 working days.
Related Peflon Material Lines
PMSQ is one of several specialty material families produced by Peflon — explore related additives and fluoropolymer raw materials for your project.
Cosmetic-Grade Silicone Microspheres
Dedicated formulator's guide for PF-94 series — soft focus, oil control, silky feel.
Silicone Microspheres for LED Light Diffusion
Optical engineer's guide for PF-9 series — LED, LCD, PC / PMMA optical diffusion.
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Contact Us for PMSQ Silicone Microspheres
Whether you are a manufacturer or distributor — contact Peflon for a free sample or complete solution. One-stop technical support on cosmetic and optical-grade PMSQ. Tell us your application, target D50 and required documents — we will reply within 24 hours.