Di
Dimethicone
DimethiconeBarrier
Silicone-family occlusive. Lighter feel than petrolatum; common in primers + barrier-supportive moisturizers.
What it does
Dimethicone forms a breathable film that reduces water loss and smooths texture. Often misunderstood — it's non-comedogenic and inert. Used in primers (smooths out fine lines visually), face moisturizers, and as a vehicle in many sunscreens. Doesn't degrade with daily wear.
The evidence, graded
expert consensusDimethicone functions as a skin-conditioning agent at concentrations up to about 15%. Expert-panel review found it is not absorbed through skin, was a minimal irritant in most studies, and was not a sensitiser in animal assays or in a repeated-insult patch test in 83 people.Nair 2003 · International journal of toxicology ↗
emergingSome occlusives (cocoa butter, coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, certain plant butters) can be comedogenic on acne-prone skin. Lighter occlusives (squalane, mineral oil, hyaluronic acid, glycerin) are generally non-comedogenic in published data.Kligman 1972 · Archives of Dermatology ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
silicone
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