What Is Dimethicone?
Dimethicone, a type of silicone, is a colorless, odorless, hypoallergenic liquid commonly used in skincare to achieve smoother, softer skin. In fact, the only ingredient more common in moisturizers is petrolatum.
Dimethicone doubles as an emollient, creating a protective, hydrating barrier on your skin. But unlike heavier, petroleum-based ingredients, dimethicone lays down a light, breathable barrier. The best part? It's non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. Dimethicone is generally suitable for most skin types because of its unique properties. In general, it's hydrating enough for dry skin, light enough for oily skin and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Dimethicone is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a skin protectant in over-the-counter products in 1% to 30% concentrations. It's also FDA-approved as a food additive.
What Is Dimethicone Used For?
You can find dimethicone in various products, including moisturizer, sunscreen, body wash, conditioner and shampoo. So, what is dimethicone used for? Let us count the ways!
Locks In Hydration
According to research in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, dimethicone is an occlusive and an emollient. This ingredient creates a light, breathable, non-greasy layer on your skin that helps trap moisture, keeping your complexion dewy and fresh. This makes it a hero ingredient in moisturizing body washes, cleansers, creams and lotions.
Try a nourishing moisturizer like Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Body Gel Hydrator Lotion Pro-Vitamin B5 Moisturizer or Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid for a lightweight, quick-absorbing approach to hydration. Both will help you look as radiant in the evening as you did in the morning.
Shields Your Skin
Dimethicone supports your skin's natural barrier function by forming an artificial barrier, making it more resilient against environmental stressors like irritants (e.g., smoke and pollution) and allergens. This property is especially useful for sensitive skin, which is more reactive to daily environmental triggers. Sound good? Boost your defenses with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Oil-Free Face Serum with Vitamin E SPF 60+. This silky formula combines broad-spectrum sunscreen protection and weightless all-day hydration.
Helps Makeup Glide on Silky Smooth
Let's talk texture. Dimethicone makes everything from your daily moisturizer to your primer glide on effortlessly — no tugging or pulling. It also helps fill in skin crevices like fine lines and enlarged pores. So whether you're applying sunscreen or foundation, dimethicone ensures a flawless, non-sticky application that feels as good as it looks.
For skin tone and texture support, try Neutrogena Stubborn Texture™ Niacinamide Face & Neck Serum or Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair® Regenerating Retinol Cream to smooth your complexion and set the stage for a flawless makeup application (or a beautiful natural look). Think an Instagram filter in real life, giving you that soft-focus finish without piles of makeup.
Smooths Hair
According to Medical News Today, dimethicone is brilliant at taming frizz and detangling, too. It coats your hair with a protective sheen, leaving your locks smooth and shiny.
Where Does Dimethicone Come From?
So, is dimethicone a silicone? Yes! A chapter in "Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients" explains that Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius discovered silicone in 1824. Silicones are derived from silica, a natural component of sources like sand, quartz and granite. Today, manufacturers produce silicone by heating these sources with carbon at a sizzling 3992 degrees Fahrenheit to create silicon metal. Next, chemists mix the silicon metal with a chemical called methyl chloride, creating a set of compounds called chlorosilanes. These chlorosilanes undergo a series of processes, eventually becoming dimethicone. Isn't it fascinating how a bit of beach sand can end up as a key part of your beauty routine?
How To Incorporate Dimethicone Into Your Skincare Routine
Adding products with dimethicone to your skincare routine can support hydration and smooth, silky application. Here's how to incorporate them seamlessly into your daily beauty rituals.
Pick Your Perfect Products
Dimethicone is a star player in many skincare products. In moisturizers, it locks in hydration and gives your skin a velvety feel. You'll also find it in serums and treatments to improve spreadability and bolster your skin's protective barrier. In primers, it's great for smoothing pores and fine lines, setting you up for flawless makeup application. And let's not forget sunscreen! Dimethicone helps your sunscreen glide on evenly and boosts water resistance.
Ease Into It
Take it one step at a time when introducing any new product into your routine. Try starting with one product, like a moisturizer or primer, that contains dimethicone. You can then assess how your skin feels and looks, noting any silky upgrades or — if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin — keeping an eye out for any irritation or breakouts. While dimethicone is generally well tolerated by all skin types, your skin is unique and may react to any ingredient.
Layer Wisely
Since dimethicone lays down a barrier (albeit a non-comedogenic and breathable one), make sure it doesn't shut out your other products. Apply any water-based serums or treatments first to ensure they can absorb into your skin. Also, avoid layering too many silicone-based products to keep things lightweight and reduce the risk of pilling.
Apply at Night
Consider making dimethicone a key player in your nighttime skincare lineup. Using dimethicone-rich night creams or sleeping masks can help seal in moisture and active ingredients overnight, doing the heavy lifting while you rest easy. Looking for a recommendation? Try Neutrogena® Triple Age Repair Night Moisturizer to improve the look of wrinkles, uneven skin tone and skin laxity in one simple step.
