Dimethiconol: Everything to Know About the Common Skincare Ingredient

Cosmetic chemists clear things up.

It does have its own set of properties when used in skin care products.

Meet the Experts

What Is Dimethiconol?

Dimethiconol is a pop in of silicone used in cosmetics and personal care products.

More specifically, it is a silicone polymer with a a structure that includes siloxane (silicone-oxygen) chains.

This means it has lubricating properties, as well as a paste-like consistency.

What is the difference between dimethiconol and dimethicone?

Both dimethiconol and dimethicone are used in skin care.

There isn’t one that’s better than another.

Dimethiconol typically provides products a thicker texture, while dimethicone can range from thin liquid to gunky paste.

They are both silicone polymers and only differ by a hydroxyl (-OH) group.

Dimethiconol provides skin and hair care products a smooth and silky texture.

This ingredient also acts as a protective barrier, which can have several benefits.

It is often combined with dimethicone, as well as active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid orAHAs.

Concentrations found in products are minimal, according to Dr. Engelman.

It is dependent on the product you are applying.

The more dimethiconol is in a product, the more it has conditioning and smoothing properties.

If you have sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to stay away from dimethiconol.Dr.

Dimethiconol is safe to use on the skin unless you have a sensitivity or are allergic to it.

No risk of cancer or mutations were found.

Topical silicones are often believed to be unhealthy but Dr. Spey says this isnt based on substantiated research.

There have been some unsubstantiated claims that topical silicones could cause or worsen disease, she says.

However, research has shown that the molecules are too large to penetrate the skin.

As such, they can neither enter the bloodstream nor bioaccumulate.

Dr. Engelman adds that dimethiconol gets a bad reputation because it is synthetic.

Dimethiconol is a safe and efficient skincare ingredient with moisturizing and protective properties.

It is commonly found in serums and gel creams for added hydration.

This ingredient allows for silky and lightweight product formulas.