Dimethicone in its simplest form is polydimethylsiloxane, also known as silicone oil, but more commonly called dimethicone.
Dimethicone contributes to the "slip" or "glide" felt upon the application of skincare products, making them spread easily onto the skin.
In addition, dimethicone coats the skin, helping to moisturize it by reducing water loss and providing the skin with softness and coverage—without feeling heavy.
Dimethicone is an effective moisturizing ingredient for all skin types.
Dimethicone is especially useful for those whose skin needs an additional barrier that helps prevent moisture from escaping as a skin protectant
Dimethicone is a silicone oil that is also known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).
Dimethicone has viscoelastic properties.
Dimethicone is used as a surfactant, antifoaming agent, carminative in various products such as medical devices, food products, and lubricants.
Dimethicone is used in a number of health and beauty products including hair care products such as shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and de-tangling products. On skin, it is also observed to have moisturizing actions 6,8.
Dimethicone, also called PDMS, is a silicone that is not subject to any European restrictions. It is also the most widely used silicone in cosmetic products. Its role is to produce a surface film around the hair and on the skin, to then protect them (occlusive effect, with what that may entail). It also brings softness to products and makes it pleasant to use creams and shampoos.
It`s a bit like "the Swiss army knife of the chemist": it is used a little in all sauces, to make products brighter, more pleasant and therefore more sellers, or even to compensate for the drying effect of certain ingredients. like surfactants.
This inert component does not pose any problem for human health, one can only wonder if its effect is not only marketing and artificial.
It is on the ecological aspect that the ingredient can have a very negative impact since it is not very biodegradable.
Functions of Dimethicone (INCI)
Anti-foaming: Suppresses foam during manufacturing / reduces foaming in liquid finished products
Emollient: Softens and softens the skin
Skin conditioning agent: Keeps the skin in good condition
Skin protection agent: Helps to avoid the harmful effects of external factors on the skin
Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer that is frequently used as a skin protectant in skincare products.
The second most common moisturizing ingredient found in moisturizers after petrolatum, dimethicone helps condition the skin—improving its softness and flexibility.
Dimethicone forms a barrier on the skin that helps minimizes water loss. Dimethicone also helps improve the skin’s smoothness and flexibility by filling gaps between the cells in the uppermost layer of your skin.
EC / List no.: 618-433-4
CAS no.: 9006-65-9
Regulatory process names
Belsil DM 1000
DC 1664
Dimethicone
Dimethicone 350
Dimethicones
Dimethyl polysiloxane, bis(trimethylsilyl)-terminated
Dimethyl polysiloxane, dimethyl-terminated
Dimethylpolysiloxane
Dimeticona
Dimeticone
Dimeticonum
Dow Corning 1664
Mirasil DM 20
Ophtasiloxane
Poly(dimethylsiloxane)
Poly(oxy(dimethylsilylene)), alpha-(trimethylsilyl)-omega-methyl-
Polysilane
Viscasil 5M
IUPAC names
Dimethicone
DIMETHICONE
poly(dimethylsiloxane)
polydimethylsiloxane
Trimethyl-trimethylsilyloxy-silane
Other names
Dimethyl silicone oil
Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a chemical that belongs to the `siloxane` family - also known as silicones.
Dimethicone is used to improve the `slippery feel` of personal care products such as moisturisers and hair conditioners
Dimethicone is a gentle, effective moisturizing ingredient for both the face and body.
Dimethicone helps provide long-lasting skin-smoothing benefits, and is ideal for areas prone to rough, dry skin such as knees, elbows, hands and feet, and can help with certain skin conditions like eczema.
Dimethicone comes in various viscosities and it offers excellent barrier properties when used in skin protectant formulations.
Dimethicone adds slip and glide, reducing tackiness.
Dimethicone offers conditioning properties when used in hair and skin care applications.
Used at a rate of 1% to 30%, dimethicone conforms to the FDA`s Tentative Final Monograph on OTC Skin Protectants.
Dimethicone in skin care and hair care products help form a protective layer along skin, improving water retention.
Dimethicone in shampoo and other hair products typically leaves tresses shinier and easier to detangle.
However, provided you make no drug claims for it, dimethicone does not have to be declared as an active ingredient, nor does your product or facility need to conform to OTC drug production standards.
Dimethicone can be added to any cosmetic and declared on the ingredient label in descending order.
The CIR lists Dimethicone in the Cosmetic Ingredients Found Safe as Used in the following amounts:
Hair Care Preparations - up to 80%
Makeup - up to 24%
INCI: Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a commonly used emollient, known for its gentleness and silky feel.
Dimethicone is recognised as a skin protectant (in concentrations 1-30%) by the U.S. FDA and it is Popular in oil-free moisturisers, thanks to its hydration-enhancing, non-greasy finish.
Dimethicone may also be used sunscreen formulation to help the actives distribute evenly on skin and it is considered synthetic, even though it’s derived from natural silicon.
Dimethicone is a type of silicone (technically known as a non-volatile/linear silicone).
Dimethicone is one of the most frequently used emollient (softening) ingredients in moisturisers, well known for its gentleness and effectiveness.
Dimethicone is recognised as a “skin protectant” by the U.S. FDA, when used in over-the-counter products in concentrations of 1-30%.
Dimethicone forms an air-permeable barrier that works to prevent moisture loss, so skin better retains hydration, while still allowing natural perspiration to evaporate.
Dimethicone imparts a wonderfully silky (but not greasy) feel, which makes it especially popular in oil-free moisturisers.
Dimethicone may also be used with other ingredients such as alumina to coat zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in sunscreen formulation to help the actives distribute evenly on skin, providing uniform protection.
Dimethicone is considered a synthetic ingredient, even though it’s derived from natural silicon. It has a long track record of being recognised as safe in cosmetic products.
