Specialty Silicone Supplier USA: Discover CalChem Silicone Fluids, Cyclics, Defoamers & Polymer Blends

Specialty silicones play an essential role in modern chemical formulations, from skincare and hair conditioning products to industrial lubricants, surface treatments, rubber manufacturing, and foam-control systems.

Selecting the right silicone chemistry can influence product performance, viscosity, stability, spreadability, surface properties, and manufacturing efficiency.

California Chemical, a specialty chemical distributor in the USA, presents its CalChem Specialty Silicones portfolio, featuring 40 grades across six product categories designed for evaluation in personal care and industrial applications.

Based in Chino, California, California Chemical supports manufacturers and formulators with chemical sourcing, distribution, and technical solutions across the United States.

CalChem Specialty Silicones: Six Product Categories

The CalChem Specialty Silicones portfolio comprises:

1. Silicone Fluids / Dimethicone

2. Cyclic Silicones

3. Silicone Defoamers

4. Volatile Silicone Fluids

5. Phenyl-Modified Silicone Fluids

6. Polymer Fluid Blends

Each category offers distinct functional characteristics, enabling manufacturers to select a suitable silicone grade based on application requirements.

1. CalChem Silicone Fluids / Dimethicone

Precision Viscosity. Reliable Performance. Versatile Applications.

CalChem Silicone Fluids are dimethicone-based fluids available in a wide viscosity range, offering manufacturers flexibility in formulation design and industrial applications.

Dimethicone is widely used in personal care products, industrial lubricants, automotive care formulations, and surface treatment systems.

Depending on the selected viscosity, silicone fluids may contribute to lubrication, slip, conditioning, water repellency, and protective film formation.

CalChem Silicone Fluid Product Range

Product nameViscosityRefractive index (RI)CalChem SF 55 cSt1.3970CalChem SF 1010 cSt1.3990CalChem SF 5020 cSt1.4010CalChem SF 2050 cSt1.4020CalChem SF 100100 cSt1.4030CalChem SF 200200 cSt1.4030CalChem SF 350*350 cSt1.4035CalChem SF 500500 cSt1.4035CalChem SF 1,0001,000 cSt1.4035CalChem SF 5,0005,000 cSt1.4035CalChem SF 10,00010,000 cSt1.4035CalChem SF 12,50012,500 cSt1.4035CalChem SF 30,00030,000 cSt1.4035CalChem SF 60,00060,000 cSt1.4040CalChem SF 100,000100,000 cSt1.4040CalChem SF 600,000600,000 cP1.4040

Product names and specifications reflect the supplied CalChem portfolio. SF 20 and SF 50 naming/viscosity values require confirmation before publication. SF 350 carries an asterisk in the source data without a defined footnote. Viscosity units are preserved as supplied.

Key Benefits

• Broad selection of viscosity grades

• Lubrication and surface slip

• Conditioning and sensory characteristics

• Water repellency in suitable formulations

• Options for surface protection and film formation

• Versatility across personal care and industrial manufacturing

Common Applications

Personal Care: Skincare creams, hair conditioners, serums, lotions, and cosmetic formulations.

Automotive: Tire-care formulations, polishes, surface treatments, and protective coatings.

Industrial Manufacturing: Lubrication systems, release agents, specialty processing aids, and surface treatments.

Explore California Chemical's Personal Care Ingredients for additional formulation solutions.

2. CalChem Cyclic Silicones

Specialized Silicone Chemistry for Formulation and Industrial Applications

CalChem Cyclic Silicones include D4, D5, D6, and selected cyclic silicone blends.

These materials exhibit different volatility, spreading, and solvency characteristics, making them relevant to specialized formulation and industrial requirements.

CalChem Cyclic Silicone Product Range

ProductINCI / DescriptionViscosityCyclic compositionCalChem SF D4Cyclotetrasiloxane2 cStD4: 99%CalChem SF D5Cyclopentasiloxane4 cStD5: 96%CalChem SF D6Cyclohexasiloxane6 cStD6: 94%CalChem SF D45Cyclotetrasiloxane and Cyclopentasiloxane4 cStD4: 70%, D5: 30%CalChem SF D56Cyclopentasiloxane and Cyclohexasiloxane5 cStD5: 65%, D6: 35%CalChem SF DMCCyclotetrasiloxane and CyclopentasiloxaneNot specifiedD4: 85%, D5: 15%

Potential Applications

• Cosmetic carrier systems

• Hair conditioning formulations

• Specialty chemical processing

• Surface treatment applications

• Selected industrial formulations

Why Cyclic Silicone Selection Matters

D4, D5, and D6 exhibit different physical and chemical properties. Selecting an appropriate grade requires consideration of volatility, desired product performance, compatibility, and regulatory requirements.

Regulatory note: Certain cyclic silicones are restricted in specific jurisdictions and applications. Buyers should confirm applicable environmental, product safety, and regulatory requirements before formulation or commercial use.

3. CalChem Silicone Defoamers

Effective Foam Management for Industrial Processing

Uncontrolled foam can create challenges in manufacturing operations, including production interruptions, equipment inefficiency, processing inconsistencies, and reduced filling capacity.

CalChem Silicone Defoamers offer different concentration options for evaluation in compatible foam-control applications.

CalChem Defoamer Product Range

ProductDescriptionCalChem DF 210 FGK10% Food & Kosher Grade EmulsionCalChem DF 220 FGK20% Food & Kosher Grade EmulsionCalChem DF 230 FGK30% Food & Kosher Grade EmulsionCalChem DF 100 FGK100% Food & Kosher Grade Antifoam Compound

Potential Applications

• Food and beverage processing

• Industrial wastewater treatment

• Chemical manufacturing

• Cleaning product manufacturing

• Process industries requiring foam management

Benefits of Silicone-Based Defoamers

• Foam suppression in compatible systems

• Improved processing consistency

• Reduced disruption caused by excess foam

• Different concentration options for process evaluation

• Potential improvements in production efficiency

Food-grade and kosher descriptions are based on the provided product information. Current certification documents and suitability for specific regulated applications must be confirmed.

For related processing solutions, explore California Chemical's Industrial Markets.

4. CalChem Volatile Silicone Fluids

Lightweight Spreading and Controlled Evaporation

CalChem Volatile Silicone Fluids include low-viscosity silicone materials that may be evaluated for applications requiring easy spreading, carrier performance, and controlled evaporation.

CalChem Volatile Fluid Product Range

ProductINCI nameViscosityPurityCalChem SF 0.65Disiloxane0.65 cSt99%CalChem SF 1Trisiloxane1 cSt99%CalChem SF 1.5Dimethicone1.5 cSt95%CalChem SF 2Dimethicone2 cSt99%CalChem SF 3.5Dimethicone3.5 cStNot specified

Potential Applications

• Hair serums and conditioning products

• Cosmetic primers

• Lightweight skin formulations

• Specialized liquid carrier systems

• Selected industrial surface applications

Key Formulation Considerations

• Evaporation profile

• Viscosity and spreadability

• Ingredient compatibility

• Flash point and handling requirements

• Intended end-use regulations

For formulators exploring non-silicone alternatives, California Chemical also offers CalChem CCC, a coconut-derived emollient suitable for evaluation in personal care products.

5. CalChem Phenyl-Modified Silicone Fluids

Gloss, Optical Properties and Advanced Formulation Performance

Phenyl-modified silicones offer distinctive properties compared with conventional dimethicone fluids.

By incorporating phenyl groups into silicone chemistry, these materials can exhibit modified refractive indices, optical characteristics, and formulation compatibility.

Featured Product: CalChem SF PTM 20

SpecificationDetailProductCalChem SF PTM 20INCI namePhenyltrimethiconeViscosity20 cStRefractive index1.460

Potential Applications

• Hair shine products

• Gloss-enhancing cosmetic formulations

• Skin conditioning products

• Specialty coatings

• Selected optical and industrial formulations

Why Phenyltrimethicone?

Phenyltrimethicone can be considered when formulators seek glossy appearance, smooth sensory properties, and distinctive optical characteristics.

Performance and compatibility should be confirmed through application testing.

6. CalChem Polymer Fluid Blends

Advanced Silicone Blends for Texture, Film Formation and Conditioning

CalChem Polymer Fluid Blends combine Dimethiconol with selected silicone or ester carriers.

These blends allow formulators to evaluate different carrier systems and viscosity characteristics while working with silicone gum-containing compositions.

The supplied portfolio identifies seven blends containing 15% silicone gum.

CalChem Polymer Fluid Blend Product Range

ProductINCI / DescriptionViscosityGum contentCalChem SF 1405Cyclotetrasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol6,000 cP15%CalChem SF 1505Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol6,000 cP15%CalChem SF 1605Cyclohexasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol10,000 cP15%CalChem SF 2205Dimethicone (and) Dimethiconol3,000 cP15%CalChem SF 2305Dimethicone (and) Dimethiconol3,000 cP15%CalChem SF 2505Dimethicone (and) Dimethiconol3,000 cP15%CalChem SF 3005Dimethicone (and) C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (and) Dimethiconol3,000 cP15%

Potential Applications

• Hair conditioners and treatments

• Hair smoothing formulations

• Skin-feel modifiers

• Cosmetic film-forming systems

• Specialty personal care products

• Selected industrial surface applications

Why Polymer Fluid Blends?

These blends can help formulators evaluate characteristics such as:

• Enhanced slip and conditioning

• Film formation

• Improved sensory characteristics

• Modified product texture

• Silicone polymer deposition

• Performance differences between carrier systems

The preferred grade depends on the intended application, compatibility, regulatory status, and specific performance targets.

Complementary Surfactant Blends for Personal Care and Household Formulations

Alongside its specialty silicone portfolio, California Chemical offers surfactant blends for cleansing, foam generation, and formulation development. These blends expand the options available to personal care and household product manufacturers.

CalChem SB 101 — High-Foaming Cleansing Blend

Supplier reference: NORFOX® Clear DF-2

INCI: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DIPA.

The blend combines an olefin sulfonate cleansing component, identified in the supplied portfolio as CALCHEM AOS-40, with CALCHEM CAP-B and Cocamide DIPA.

CalChem SB 101 provides high foam and strong grease-removing performance for cleansing applications. It can be evaluated for sulfate-free shampoos, hand washes, pet-care cleansers, and surfactant-based household cleaning products.

Key formulation benefits:

• High-foaming cleansing performance

• Strong grease-removing capability

• Versatility across personal care and household applications

• An option for projects prioritizing biodegradable surfactant chemistry, subject to supporting biodegradability data

Potential applications: Pet-care shampoos, hand washes, sulfate-free shampoos, general cleansers, and household cleaning formulations.

CalChem SB 102 — Betaine-Free, Sulfate-Free Surfactant Concentrate

Supplier reference: NORFOX® Clear DF-3

INCI: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamide MIPA.

The supplied portfolio identifies the olefin sulfonate component as AOS-40M and the hydroxysultaine component as CALCHEM CAPH.

CalChem SB 102 is a concentrated surfactant blend designed for sulfate-free personal care formulations. Its combination of cleansing and co-surfactant ingredients supports foam development and viscosity building in compatible systems.

Key formulation benefits:

• Betaine-free surfactant composition

• Sulfate-free cleansing system

• Foam boosting

• Support for viscosity development, depending on formulation conditions

Potential applications: Sulfate-free shampoos, body washes, hand washes, and other personal care cleansers.

Ultra-Mild Surfactant Blend — Alternative for Evaluation Against Iselux® Ultra Mild

INCI: Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside.

This ready-to-dilute surfactant blend is intended for gentle personal care cleansing formulations. It offers a starting point for formulators seeking high foam, mild cleansing, and cold-processing capability.

Key evaluation targets:

• Gentle cleansing for delicate-skin applications

• High-foaming performance

• Cold processing and convenient dilution

• Low-irritation performance for formulations intended for use near the eyes

• Suitability for microbiome-conscious product development

Performance against Iselux® Ultra Mild should be established through comparative formulation testing. Low-irritation, eye-area suitability, and microbiome-friendly claims require supporting evidence for the actual supplied blend and finished formulation.

Potential applications: Gentle facial cleansers, mild hand washes, body washes, and shampoos.

Select a Blend Around Your Formulation Target

Share your application, preferred surfactant system, foam and viscosity targets, current benchmark, and estimated monthly or annual requirement with California Chemical.

Our team can help narrow the relevant blend and discuss technical documentation and sample availability.

→ Request a technical evaluation sample.

Industries That Can Benefit from CalChem Specialty Silicones

IndustryRelevant CalChem productsPotential applicationsPersonal Care & CosmeticsSF Fluids, PTM 20, Polymer BlendsHair conditioning, skincare, cosmetic textureAutomotive & TransportationSF FluidsSurface care, polishes, lubricant formulationsIndustrial ManufacturingSF Fluids, DefoamersProcess lubrication, foam controlFood ProcessingDF FGK SeriesApplication-specific foam managementWater TreatmentDF SeriesFoam control in compatible treatment processesRubber ManufacturingSF FluidsRelease and processing formulationsCoatingsSilicone Fluids, PTM 20Surface modification and specialty additives

Why Work With California Chemical for Specialty Silicones?

Choosing a specialty silicone supplier involves more than selecting a chemical grade.

Procurement managers and formulation teams also need technical documentation, product consistency, commercial responsiveness, and dependable distribution support.

California Chemical combines specialty chemical sourcing with distribution and technical support for manufacturers across the United States.

Specialty Chemical Sourcing

The CalChem Specialty Silicones portfolio offers 40 listed grades spanning multiple viscosities, chemical compositions, and functional categories.

Application-Focused Technical Support

Customers can discuss viscosity requirements, silicone chemistry, product compatibility, and intended applications with the California Chemical team.

Chemical Distribution Network

California Chemical provides chemical distribution and supply chain solutions to support commercial chemical sourcing requirements.

Documentation and Product Evaluation

Manufacturers can inquire about technical data sheets, safety data sheets, certificates of analysis, and the availability of samples for qualified technical evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CalChem SF 5 and CalChem SF 100?

CalChem SF 5 has a listed viscosity of 5 cSt, while CalChem SF 100 has a listed viscosity of 100 cSt. The difference in viscosity can influence spreading, flow behavior, and the suitability of each grade for particular formulations.

What is CalChem SF PTM 20?

CalChem SF PTM 20 is a Phenyltrimethicone silicone fluid with a listed viscosity of 20 cSt and refractive index of 1.460. It may be evaluated for gloss-enhancing and specialty formulation applications.

Which CalChem silicones are suitable for hair care?

Depending on the formula, manufacturers may evaluate conventional silicone fluids, Phenyltrimethicone, and Dimethiconol-based polymer blends. Suitability must be confirmed through technical review and formulation testing.

What are CalChem DF 210 FGK, DF 220 FGK and DF 230 FGK?

They are silicone-based defoamer emulsions described with concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. They are intended for evaluation in suitable foam-control applications.

Does California Chemical supply specialty silicone chemicals across the USA?

California Chemical operates a nationwide chemical distribution business and accepts sourcing inquiries from manufacturers across the United States. Specific CalChem grades, packaging, quantities, and delivery availability should be confirmed with its sales team.

Find the Right Specialty Silicone for Your Application

Whether you're developing a new personal care formulation, evaluating a silicone fluid for industrial processing, or looking for a specialized defoaming material, the right raw material starts with understanding your technical requirements.

The CalChem Specialty Silicones portfolio offers 40 listed grades across six product categories, providing options for manufacturers and formulators evaluating silicone-based chemistry.

Ready to discuss your silicone requirements?

Contact California Chemical and provide:

• Product grade or silicone category

• Application or intended use

• Desired viscosity or performance target

• Estimated monthly or annual volume

• Required specifications or documentation

Request a Quote or Technical Evaluation

Website: https://californiachemical.com/

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