Emollient

Dimethicone

The most common silicone in cosmetics — dimethicone is found in every second moisturizer, primer, and sunscreen. It gives the skin a silky texture, protects the barrier, and acts as an emollient without being comedogenic.

EmollientSiliconeBarrier protectionSilky texture

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

1/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) — a synthetic silicone polymer. In INCI: Dimethicone. Molecular weight varies — light forms (dimethicone 200 cSt) provide a liquid texture, heavy forms (dimethicone 1000 cSt+) provide a creamy texture. It does not absorb into the skin, remaining on the surface and creating a protective film.

The main sensory-modifier and emollient in creams, sunscreens, primers, and BB creams. Responsible for the characteristic silky, non-greasy feel after application, softens texture, and reduces TEWL.

Key Benefits

✦

Silky non-greasy texture

Dimethicone gives products a characteristic soft-focus feel — not greasy, not heavy, but rather a silky glide. This is the main reason for its presence in 80% of creams and primers.

◈

Skin barrier protection

Creates a semi-permeable film on the skin's surface that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Ideal for dry and damaged skin — physical protection without occlusion.

✧

Reducing the visibility of pores and unevenness

Heavy forms of dimethicone fill in the micro-relief of the skin and reduce the visibility of pores and wrinkles — hence the mass use in primers and BB/CC creams.

Suitable for

For dry skinFor normal skinFor sensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ Emollient✓ Barrier protection✓ Reducing TEWL✓ sensory modifier

Silicones and comedogenicity

Dimethicone is considered non-comedogenic — it remains on the surface and does not clog pores. However, some people with oily and acne-prone skin may feel discomfort from products with a high amount of silicones. If this is your case — look for products labeled 'silicone-free'.

CategoryEmollients

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