Dimethicone has been a subject of much scrutiny from popular beauty platforms and cosmetics critics. Some people swear by it, and others avoid it like the plague. 

Are you caught in the middle of deciding whether to add this ingredient to your skincare regime? 

This article will tell you the basics of what you need to know about it.

What Is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone, also known as Polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS, is a versatile emollient and silicone found abundantly in cosmetic products. 

Its primary function is to seal in moisture for silkier skin and hair. 

It also helps keep all cosmetic ingredients intact, giving a beautiful finish in makeup application. As an ingredient in various cosmetic products, it is what gives creams and moisturizers a silky and luxurious texture.

What Products Can You Find It In?

Skin Moisturizers

In skin moisturizers, it forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture. This improves the texture and appearance of your skin. It also reduces wrinkles and pores through hydration.

Makeup Products

Popular in makeup primers for smoothening the appearance of fine lines, it gives a glossy smooth finish for makeup application.

Hair Products

This includes shampoos, conditioners, and hair creams.

It has a protective benefit for hair as it coats the hair follicle with an invisible protective film. This protects the hair from breakage and heat damage and leaves the hair looking lush and healthy.

Healing Creams

If you have itchy and dry skin, creams containing this type of silicone may help reduce the itching. It prevents skin flaking by providing a coating film that prevents the skin from losing more moisture. This is why dermatologists may recommend it in the treatment of eczema skin disease. 

Benefits In Skin and Hair Care

Dimethicone has many cosmetic benefits. It:

• Nourishes the skin because of its moisture-retaining properties 
• Protects the skin from outside irritants and other harmful cosmetic products 
• Is an emollient and controls the shine of the skin, giving it a beautiful, matte finish
• Is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores
• Leaves your hair looking hydrated and healthy by coating individual hair strands. This increases the sheen and smoothness of the hair.
• Keeps the consistency of cosmetic products as it holds all molecules together, preventing the ingredients from separating or clumping together.
• Improves makeup applications, fills wrinkles, and softens the appearance of pores. This forms a beautiful smooth skin canvas for your makeup application.
• Leaves your skin feeling non-greasy but sufficiently hydrated

Is It Safe To Use?

When dimethicone is used in skincare it is usually synthetic, which means it is made in a lab. But, that shouldn’t deter you from using it because it is safe for most people and skin types. 

Some skincare and beauty gurus are against the use of this type of silicone. They say since it seals in moisture, it can also lock in unwanted skin debris or oils. This should not be a concern since this does not occur when you apply it correctly after cleansing, which we discuss below.   

Research also shows that it is one of the safest silicone ingredients in skincare. 

Skin and hair products usually contain this silicone ingredient at acceptable concentrations that shouldn’t cause any side effects. 

Everybody’s skin and body are different, though. So, if you have concerns, start by using it on a small patch of skin and observing its effects. If you experience any irritation or redness, wash it off and stop using it.

How To Use The Ingredient

The best time to use it is after cleansing. Since it is an occlusive beauty ingredient, apply it on damp skin or hair or after applying a water-based moisturizer to optimize its benefits.

Naturally, you should also read the directions of use for each specific product.

Summary

Dimethicone is a popular silicone-based emollient used in personal care. It leaves your skin and hair feeling moisturized but not greasy. It also maintains your cosmetic products’ consistency so you can get your beauty look just right!