(October 28, 2026) Recently, there have been significant structural changes in the silicone additives sector. The demand for polyether silicone oils—which possess hydrophilic and low surface tension properties—has been steadily increasing. The supply of high-quality products with low ring bodies, low VOC levels, and compliance with various international standards is also growing continuously, accelerating the process of domestic substitution.

Polyether silicone oils are functional silicone copolymers in which polyether segments are attached to the main chain of polydimethylsiloxane. Their CAS number is 67674-67-3. By combining the advantages of silicone oil’s lubricating and temperature-resistant properties, as well as those of polyether’s hydrophilic characteristics, these additives are highly versatile in the fine chemical industry. They are often referred to as “industrial flavor enhancers”. Thanks to their excellent wetting, leveling, and foam suppression capabilities, these products are widely used in water-based coatings and inks, polyurethane foaming agents, personal care products, textile hydrophilic films, agricultural spray aids, new energy battery components, and electronic precision cleaning applications.

Industry research indicates that the domestic market for polyether silicone oils is currently divided into two segments: general-purpose products are in ample supply and face intense competition; however, high-end customized products that meet strict requirements regarding low ring siloxanes, resistance to wide pH values, low metal ions, and compliance with REACH and K-REACH regulations are in short supply. In the past, the high-end market was dominated by foreign chemical companies, resulting in long delivery times and high prices. With the establishment of several green production lines in China, and the adoption of new catalytic processes, some leading manufacturers have managed to control the level of ring bodies in their products, thereby meeting the demands of high-demand applications such as mother-and-child care products, food-contact coatings, and semiconductor cleaning. These products can compete with international leading brands, while also reducing delivery times and improving overall costs, thus meeting the needs of foreign export orders.

In terms of downstream demand, the continued expansion of water-based coatings, growth in overseas personal care orders, and improvements in the quality of polyurethane insulation materials are key drivers of polyether silicone oil consumption. Emerging markets such as new energy battery manufacturing and electronic cleaning are also showing strong growth potential. In the field of polyurethane hard foams, specialized polyether silicone oils can be used to control the density of foam cells, reduce thermal conductivity, and make them suitable for cold chain and home appliance insulation. In pesticide additives, they can lower the surface tension of the liquid, improve the adhesion and penetration of the liquid on plant surfaces, and reduce liquid loss. In cosmetic formulations, they are used for emulsification, improving skin feel, and enhancing the stability and smoothness of lotions.

Industry analysts suggest that future development will focus on three areas: first, greening – developing formulations without solvents, with low VOC levels, low ring bodies, and bio-friendly properties; second, molecular customization – adjusting the EO/PO ratio and grafting structures according to downstream requirements, moving from simply selling raw materials to providing complete formulation solutions; third, compliance – ensuring that products targeting the Japanese and Korean markets and the European Union meet all relevant regulatory requirements before being exported, thereby avoiding export risks.

At the same time, fluctuations in upstream raw materials remain a concern for the industry. Price changes in hydrogenated silicone oils and propylene oxide can directly affect the production costs of polyether silicone oils. Manufacturers generally use long-term contracts to stabilize prices and multiple raw material sources to mitigate risks. In the long term, with the ongoing transformation toward water-based and low-carbon technologies, the market for high-end polyether silicone oils is expected to grow steadily. The technological innovation and complementary service capabilities of domestic additive manufacturers will be crucial for gaining market share both domestically and internationally.