Dimethicone

Dimethicone at a Glance

• Commonly used emollient, known for its gentleness and silky feel
• Recognized as a skin protectant (in concentrations 1-30%) by the U.S. FDA
• Popular in oil-free moisturizers, thanks to its hydration-enhancing, non-greasy finish
• May also be used sunscreen formulation to help the actives distribute evenly on skin
• Considered synthetic, even though it’s derived from natural silicon

Dimethicone Description

Dimethicone is a type of silicone (technically known as a non-volatile/linear silicone). It is one of the most frequently used emollient (softening) ingredients in moisturizers, well known for its gentleness and effectiveness.

Dimethicone is recognized as a “skin protectant” by the U.S. FDA, when used in over-the-counter products in concentrations of 1-30%. It forms an air-permeable barrier that works to prevent moisture loss, so skin better retains hydration, while still allowing natural perspiration to evaporate. It imparts a wonderfully silky (but not greasy) feel, which makes it especially popular in oil-free moisturizers.

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 recognized as safe in cosmetic products.

Dimethicone References