(August 18, 2026) Recently, progress has been made in the domestic silicone-based new material industry. Low-ringbody, high-purity polyether silicone oils are now produced on a large scale and consistently, which further accelerates the process of replacing imported products in the high-end polyether silicone oil sector. These domestic solutions offer better cost-performance ratios for downstream industries such as cosmetics, coatings, textiles, and new energy sectors.

Polyether silicone oils, also known as polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane, feature polyether chains that connect the siloxane main structure. These materials combine the low surface tension and smooth texture characteristics of silicones with the hydrophilic properties of polyether chains. They can be used as leveling agents, foam control agents, wetting agents, and softening agents in various industrial and consumer products. In the personal care sector, they are used in washing and skincare products to achieve a silky skin feel, anti-static properties, and stable formulations. In coatings and inks, they help with leveling and preventing voids. In the textile industry, they act as hydrophilic and softening agents, addressing the problem of water repellency associated with traditional silicone oils. They also serve as key foam control agents in polyurethane foam production, and have many applications in pesticide additives and electronic cleaning processes.

Industry research data shows that the global polyether silicone oil market is growing steadily. The market size will continue to expand in 2026. Asia-Pacific region is the main production and consumption area. In the domestic market, there is a structural imbalance: there is sufficient capacity for general products, but there is a shortage of high-end specialty grades. Products with low VOC levels, low ringbody content, and customized modifications still face significant supply-demand gaps. With the implementation of the “General Standards for Green Evaluation of Silicone Products” in China, downstream industries have set stricter requirements for environmental safety, residual impurities, and biocompatibility of these additives. This drives the industry toward greener alternatives.

In the past, high-end polyether silicone oils in China relied heavily on imports from abroad, due to factors such as supply chain cycles and costs. After years of research and development, Chinese companies have developed a variety of special grades that are hydrophilic, have low foam formation, and are resistant to acids and alkalis. Some of these products match the performance of mainstream foreign additives, with significantly lower production costs and shorter delivery times. They are now available in bulk for use in coatings, high-end personal care products, and new energy-related materials.

Industry analysts believe that the popularity of water-based coatings, the export of domestic cosmetics, the advancement of functional textiles, and the development of new energy and materials will continue to drive demand for high-end polyether silicone oils. In the next phase, research efforts will focus on bio-based polyether silicone oils and products with lower ringbody content. Efforts will also be made to improve the ability to provide customized samples, to meet the specific needs of different downstream applications, and to fill the gaps in China’s silicone processing industry. This will help reduce costs and increase efficiency for downstream manufacturing industries, thereby enhancing China’s competitiveness in the global silicone material market.