Dimethicone is a gentle, effective moisturizing ingredient for both the face and body. It helps provide long-lasting skin-smoothing benefits, and is ideal for areas prone to rough, dry skin such as knees, elbows, hands and feet, and can help with certain skin conditions like eczema.

Products that can contain dimethicone

People can find dimethicone on the label of many products, including:

• moisturizers
• sunscreens
• fake tanners
• shampoos and conditioners
• detangling products
• head lice removal products
• makeup, such as primers and foundation
• sexual lubricants

Benefits for skin and hair

Dimethicone has several properties that make it useful for skin and hair products. It:

• Forms a barrier: Dimethicone sits on top of the skin and hair, forming a temporary barrier. This means it provides some protection against contact with irritants or allergens.
• Maintains moisture: By forming a barrier over the skin, dimethicone also reduces the amount of water the skin loses.
• Improves texture: Dimethicone smooths surfaces by filling in crevices. This includes large pores and fine lines. In hair products, dimethicone coats the cuticle of the hair, making it feel smoother. Dimethicone also makes the texture of products more “slippy,” allowing for easier application.
• Gives a matte finish: Primers and moisturizers for oily skin often contain dimethicone because it has a matte finish. Dimethicone also helps to seal in moisture without the need for heavier ingredients, such as oils and butters, which can be comedogenic (can block pores).