The Truth About Dimethicone in Skin Care

Words By Martina

Jan 28, 2021

Dimethicone is one of those misunderstood ingredients that we need to know more about to understand what it can actually do for us. In the past it has gotten a bad rap and it’s time to set the record straight about the use of dimethicone in skin care.

What Is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is a type of silicone. It is a synthetic silicon-based ingredient, where silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.¹ For those who want the science side of things, dimethicone is a polymer which means it’s made up of large molecules formed by silicon and oxygen atoms, often combined with carbon and hydrogen.² Don’t worry if you’re confused. Dimethione has a more simple explanation to help us understand just what it is.

There are different kinds of silicones but dimethicone is one of the most widely used silicones in cosmetics, haircare and skin care. It is an inactive ingredient found in products such as moisturizers, cleansers, body washes, self-tanning products, shampoos, conditioners and hair dye.

What Does Dimethicone Do in a Skincare Product?

Dimethicone, a synthetic silicone-based ingredient, is used in skin care products to create a silky and fluid texture, act as a barrier on skin and lock moisture in. It is light, oil free and non-comedogenic and its large molecules help temporarily fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

With all these benefits, there is a reason why companies such as Skin MD Natural use dimethicone as one of their ingredients. Let’s look at them in a little more detail.

Improves texture -– Dimethicone is what gives your product that silky, smooth and fluid texture that makes it soft and easy to apply.³
Protection – Dimethcone is an occlusive ingredient, meaning it provides a layer of protection on your skin that helps keep your skin’s moisture in rather than letting it escape. This protection can also defend against harsh weather and other irritants wanting to get in.³
Hydration – Since dimethicone forms a barrier on the skin, this prevents water loss, keeping the skin naturally hydrated.¹
Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles – Because dimethicone is made up of larger molecules, it helps to temporarily fill in small lines and wrinkles, giving your skin that plump look you want.¹
Emulsifier – It helps to prevent a product from separating so that it keeps its smooth texture.³
Non-comedogenic – Dimethicone has been found to not clog pores, allowing your skin to breathe naturally so it won’t cause breakouts.³

Why Does Dimethicone Have a Bad Reputation?

With all the benefits that dimethicone can bring to skin care, it’s time to look at the reasons why it may have gotten a bad reputation in the past. The use and function of dimethicone in skin care is different from the use of dimethicone in hair care products. While it can make the hair feel silky, smooth and more manageable, with frequent use, dimethicone can build up on the hair shaft and eventually lead to more dry and brittle hair if it isn’t clarified properly. Because our skin sheds naturally, dimethicone isn’t able to build up on the skin and cause irritation. It won’t clog pores and is approved by the FDA.

Don’t Fear Dimethicone in Skin Care

The bottom line is that dimethicone brings so many benefits to your skin. Keeping your skin protected, moisturized and healthy is the main focus at Skin MD Natural and this is why they use dimethicone in their skin care products. Knowing why it has a bad reputation and setting the record straight will help you make the best decisions for you and your skin. Dimethicone in skin care is not a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s what your skin will be thanking you for the next time you apply Skin MD Natural shielding lotion.

¹ https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/dimethicone

² https://silicone.co.uk/news/an-introduction-to-silicone/

³ https://thedermreview.com/dimethicone/