The format of the sun protection product has a notable influence on its sensory profile and ease of application onto the skin.  Oil-inwater (O/W) emulsions are favored for their stability, high water content (lower cost) and non-greasy skin-feel. Compared to oil-in water emulsions, the external oil phase in water-in-oil systems typically spreads more easily on skin, longer lasting with improved emolliency and wash-off resistance which is a significant advantage for sunscreen products. Despite these characteristics, conventional water-in-oil systems can be perceived as greasy, oily feel, and lacking in formulation flexibility. 

Silicone emulsifiers, such as Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, act to bridge the two systems, providing the best characteristics of both. It is an alkyl silicone polyether, specifically designed to produce water-in-oil emulsions. The combination of both alkyl (hydrophobic) and polyether (hydrophilic) groups on a silicone backbone allows it to be an elegant non-ionic silicone emulsifier. 

Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone has great ability to emulsify UV filters, esters, mineral and vegetable oils, waxes and butters due to presence of alkyl group in the structure. It can emulsify up to 30% of oil content and is able to accommodate a low to medium polarity oil phase including a high level of silicone oils. It is suitable for both hot and cold processed water-in-oil emulsion.  Cold processed water-in-oil emulsions result in lower energy costs and faster processing times.