Dimethicone
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Emollient, conditioner, slip agent
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Serums, creams, lotions
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIMETHICONE (AND SILICONES) ?
Dimethicone (and silicones) can be used as slip agents to make creams and lotions more spreadable. It has been shown to have emollient properties, and primarily among wound literature, it has been used as a skin-soothing agent. It has also been shown to help with hair follicle thickness in some additional studies.
WHAT IS DIMETHICONE (AND SILICONES)?
Dimethicone is one of many silicones used in skin and hair products. It is a heat-resistant, hydrophobic polymer with skin protectant uses. As a slip agent, it makes creams and lotions spreadable.
IS DIMETHICONE (AND SILICONES) SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Dimethicone is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data. Patients with hypersensitivity to dimethicone or other silicones may need to be cautious with products that contain them.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There is minimal data on contraindications for the topical application of dimethicone or other silicones.
Sources:
Beeckman D, Verhaeghe S, Defloor T, Schoonhoven L, Vanderwee K. A 3-in-1 perineal care washcloth impregnated with dimethicone 3% versus water and pH neutral soap to prevent and treat incontinence-associated dermatitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2011;38(6):627-634. doi:10.1097/WON.0b013e31822efe52
Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
