Dimethicone in skincare
A silicone used in creams, make-up and barrier products.
What is dimethicone?
A silicone used in creams, make-up and barrier products. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Dimethicone. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does dimethicone do for skin and the product?
Provides glide and a film that can help limit water loss.
Moisture-retaining ingredients form a film on the surface that limits water loss. This differs from binding water with ingredients such as glycerin. The film's properties depend on the formulation.
Silicone alone is not evidence that a product clogs pores.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about dimethicone
What does dimethicone do in skincare?
Provides glide and a film that can help limit water loss.
What should I know about dimethicone?
Silicone alone is not evidence that a product clogs pores.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations