What is dimethicone and how is it used for in skincare?Updated a year ago
Dimethicone is a type of silicone, which is a class of skincare ingredients derived from crystalline silica, one of nature’s most abundant materials. It's a very fluid silicone made up of long chains of silicon and oxygen atoms in a linear formation. It’s sometimes also called polydimethylsiloxane.
What makes dimethicone so interesting in skincare is that it behaves differently depending on factors like temperature and how it’s formulated. These small changes can alter how it sits on the skin, which changes its cosmetic properties.
What is dimethicone used for in skincare?
In the US, dimethicone is actually considered a drug ingredient, and products made with it can be classified as OTC skin-protectant topical drugs. It’s also used in other types of medications, including ones that can be ingested.
It’s incredibly valuable in skincare formulas because it has an exceptionally pleasant skin feel and the ability to create a partial barrier over the skin that prevents moisture loss. It’s also a very safe, gentle, and non-comedogenic ingredient. It works well across all skin types and it doesn’t aggravate any sensitivities or concerns.
In other words, for cosmetic chemists who want to create an effective, pleasant, and safe moisturizer, dimethicone is a no-brainer.