Question: I’ve seen ads for make-up that claim its dimethicone free. What is dimethicone and why should I care if its in my skin care products? Can it damage my skin or cause environmental problems?
Answer: Dimethicone is a type of silicone. It is an especially large molecule that stays on the surface of the skin and form a protective barrier. Dimethicone is used in practically every type of toiletry including moisturizers, sunscreens, eye cream, eye make-up shampoo and diaper ointment.
The FDA has approved dimethicone as safe and effective for personal care products. Dimehticone is not on lists of chemicals which are suspected to cause health problems. In addition, its not been found in human cells or urine, indicating that it stays on the skin’s surface. Even the Environmental Working Group (EWG) which finds a problem with practically everything, have nothing bad to say about dimethicone- no info on cancer risk, reproductive toxicity, allrgies, or contamination to the environment.
Dimethicone seems to be helpful for seriously unhappy skin. Its a frequent ingredient in diaper ointments and creams for psoriasis and eczema. Its inherent safety makes it a popular ingredient in eye make-up and toiletries for babies. The only red flag may be for acne troubled skin. Its ability to form a water tight shield that may, in some people block pores and increase breakouts. But this is pretty hypothetical and not based on published studies or even anecdotal repots.
There are definately problem ingredients in some personal care products. Mineral oil, alcohol, steroids and menthol can provoke different issues in different skin profiles. But dimethicone is not on that list. It can be a dangerous world today, but dimethicone is not part of the problem.
No Nonsense Beauty Blog
I may have to get that book of cosmetic ingredients and prep for your posts. Even
when I am overwhelmed by the multi-syllablic names, I am grateful to be getting my
info from an investigative reporter like you, who can translate the science for beauty
consumers like me.
THanks so much Caryl WHen it comes to beauty, the truth is out there. The trick is to decode those tongue twisting names.
[...] crank up water attracting and holding powers in a moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and dimethicone, either singly or in combination, dramatically increase the value of a moisturizer to the [...]