Dimethicone is one of the most common ingredients found in skincare products, including moisturizers, sunscreens, scar treatments, and anti-aging formulas. While the name may sound intimidating, dimethicone is simply a silicone-based ingredient that helps keep skin hydrated, protected, and smooth.

Because it's gentle and effective, dimethicone has become a staple ingredient in products designed for dry, sensitive, and compromised skin.

What Is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is a type of silicone that sits on the surface of the skin and forms a lightweight protective barrier. Rather than being absorbed deeply into the skin, it helps prevent moisture from escaping while shielding the skin from external irritants (Bains et al., 2023).

You'll often find dimethicone in:

• Moisturizers

• Sunscreens

• Scar gels and creams

• Primers

• Anti-aging products

What Does Dimethicone Do for Your Skin?

Helps Keep Skin Hydrated

One of dimethicone's main benefits is reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the natural loss of moisture from the skin. By creating a protective layer on the skin's surface, dimethicone helps keep hydration where it belongs (Kang et al., 2022).

This can be especially helpful for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Supports the Skin Barrier

A healthy skin barrier helps keep moisture in and irritants out. When the barrier becomes damaged, skin can become dry, tight, and sensitive.

Dimethicone helps support the skin barrier by reducing moisture loss and providing an additional layer of protection (Lodén, 2003).

Leaves Skin Feeling Smooth

Dimethicone is also responsible for the silky feel many skincare products have. It smooths the skin's surface and helps products spread evenly without feeling greasy (Draelos, 2010).

That's why it's commonly found in both skincare and makeup products.

Is Dimethicone Safe?

Yes. Dimethicone has been extensively studied and is considered safe for use in skincare products.

Research has found silicone-based ingredients like dimethicone to be well tolerated and unlikely to cause irritation for most people (Becker et al., 2014; Raposo et al., 2013).

Because it remains on the skin's surface, it's often used in products made for sensitive skin (Bains et al., 2023).

Does Dimethicone Clog Pores?

Many people worry that dimethicone will clog pores, but research does not support this concern.

Dimethicone forms a breathable barrier that helps protect the skin without blocking normal skin function (Bains et al., 2023). For most people, it is considered non-comedogenic and can be used on acne-prone skin.

Why Is Dimethicone Used in Scar Care Products?

Hydration plays an important role in healthy-looking scars. Silicone-based ingredients are commonly used in scar care products because they help create a protective environment that supports the skin while it heals (Bains et al., 2023).

Dimethicone helps by reducing moisture loss and keeping the skin surface soft and hydrated.

Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient that helps lock in moisture, support the skin barrier, and improve skin texture. It's widely used in moisturizers, sunscreens, and scar care products because it's effective, gentle, and suitable for most skin types.

If you see dimethicone on an ingredient list, it's there to help keep your skin hydrated, protected, and comfortable.

Works Cited

Bains, P., Sharma, N., & Sharma, V. K. (2023). Silicone in dermatology: An update. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 14(3), 322–331. Link

Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Marks, J. G., Shank, R. C., Slaga, T. J., Snyder, P. W., & Andersen, F. A. (2014). Safety assessment of dimethicone crosspolymers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(2 Suppl), 65S–115S. Link

Draelos, Z. D. (2010). Active agents in common skin care products. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 125(2), 719–724. Link

Kang, S. Y., Um, J. Y., Chung, B. Y., & Kim, H. O. (2022). Moisturizer in patients with inflammatory skin diseases. Medicina, 58(8), 1036. Link

Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(11), 771–788. Link 

Raposo, S., Almeida, M. M., Morais, S., & Sousa Lobo, J. M. (2013). Safety assessment and biological effects of a new cold process silicone emulsion for skin care applications. Journal of Toxicology, 2013, 971479. Link