Why dimethicone is used in many cosmetics and its disadvantages

What is Dimethicone?

Have you ever seen the name dimethicone as an ingredient in cosmetics or hair care products?

It is used very frequently in skincare, makeup, and hair care products, so most people have probably seen it at least once.

Even if you've never seen it before, check the ingredients in the cosmetics you're using now. It's a common ingredient that makes you want to say, "See, it's in there, isn't it?"

Why is dimethicone so popular?

Dimethicone is a type of silicone, and its smoothness is utilized in cosmetics.

For example, it can make roughness on the skin surface less noticeable. It can also create a barrier on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture from evaporating. It is also used as an emulsifier to mix water and oil.

It also has no odor or color and is generally considered to be a safe ingredient for the human body and skin.

In other words, it is functional, easy to use, and safe, which is why it is used in so many cosmetics. However, as we will discuss later, it may have some undesirable effects on the skin.

It is found in these cosmetics

Dimethicone is used in many cosmetic products, including:

• Skin care products such as lotion, milky lotion, and cream
• Hair care products such as shampoo, conditioner, and treatment
• Sunscreen
• Foundation and makeup base
• Makeup products such as eyeshadow, lipstick, and eyeliner

Dimethicone is also used in medicine, not just cosmetics. For example, people may take dimethicone tablets to relieve gas in the stomach and intestines.

Dimethicone for skin and hair

Dimethicone is included in products with the expectation that it will have the following effects on hair and skin:

Forming a barrier

Dimethicone forms a barrier-like film on the surface of skin and hair, preventing moisture loss and protecting it from contact with external stimuli.

Smooth the surface

When dimethicone is applied to the skin, it penetrates into gaps such as pores and wrinkles, eliminating unevenness on the skin surface and creating a smooth complexion.
When applied to hair, it stays on the surface and coats the cuticle, reducing hair stiffness and making it easier to run your fingers through.

Improve the texture of cosmetics

By adding dimethicone, you can adjust the consistency of your cosmetics to make them easier to use, which improves the ease of application and other aspects of the product.

Gives a matte finish

The dimethicone content gives it a matte finish without stickiness. It also helps make-up stick better, making it a popular choice for use as a makeup base or foundation.

Can it cause acne?

So far, dimethicone has only good points, right? But wait a minute!

Silicone ingredients, including dimethicone, are sometimes said to cause acne .

Dimethicone adheres tightly to the skin, making it difficult for foundation to come off or crease. However, on the flip side, this also means that it is an ingredient that is difficult to remove.

Dimethicone does not mix with water or oil, so it cannot be removed with light cleansing. Therefore, if left unwashed or over-cleansed, it can cause skin problems.

Another reason is if you don't cleanse properly after exercise or sweating, sweat gets trapped between your skin and the barrier that dimethicone creates on your skin, which can lead to clogged pores.

And if you use other skin care products before using cosmetics containing dimethicone, There is a possibility that the dimethicone barrier will push it deeper into the skin.

If cleansing does not remove all of the dirt, it will seal in the ingredients that lead to clogged pores, which can result in breakouts and acne.

Effects of dimethicone on hair and scalp

As mentioned at the beginning, dimethicone is very commonly used in hair care products such as shampoos, but its effectiveness as a hair care ingredient is sometimes questioned.

As mentioned above, dimethicone creates an artificial barrier on the surface of the skin, and the same is true for hair. Dimethicone that remains on the surface of the hair locks in moisture.

On the other hand, it may also prevent moisturizing ingredients from reaching dry hair, which can lead to further dryness and make hair more prone to falling out.

A 2018 study found that products containing botanical oils were more effective at adding strength and shine to hair than silicone-based hair products like dimethicone.

This suggests that while plant oils act on the hair itself, dimethicone only has a superficial effect of improving the feel of hair.

Also, frequent use of hair care products containing dimethicone can cause a buildup in the hair and hair roots , which can be signaled by an itchy scalp. You may need to use a stronger shampoo from time to time or switch to silicone-free hair care products.

Is Dimethicone Good for the Planet?

For many years, dimethicone has been considered to be environmentally friendly, but in recent years, silicone ingredients have come to be used widely and in large quantities, and the impact of this wastewater has come to be seen as a problem .

So far, Silicone components such as dimethicone have been detected in the blood of fish, birds, and mammals.

The European Chemicals Agency (EU) has included dimethicone in its report along with other non-biodegradable ingredients, and is currently investigating its impact on the environment, including biodegradability.

There are various opinions, with some claiming that it is safe and others pointing out its toxicity to the environment, and further research is also needed regarding its toxicity and impact on the environment and ecosystem.

Safety of Dimethicone

Dimethicone has been shown to be safe for the human body and skin through various research studies.

It is not said to cause skin irritation or sensitization, even at high concentrations. In addition, because the molecule is large, it is hardly absorbed through the skin. In other words, after application, most of it remains on the surface of the skin and hair.

Past animal testing has not shown any evidence of dimethicone being toxic, so it is widely used as a safe ingredient for humans.

Alternatives to dimethicone

Even though dimethicone is said to be safe, it is not surprising that some people would prefer to choose products that do not contain dimethicone, considering the burden it places on the skin and the earth.

For example, in hair care products, vegetable oils and fats could be used instead of silicone oil. Vegetable oils and fats also have a coating effect like dimethicone. They can also keep hair moisturized and give it shine.
Above all, the big difference is that it doesn't just have a superficial effect like silicone ingredients, it works on the hair itself.

It's still difficult to find a complete replacement for dimethicone in skin care products, but several ingredients may offer similar benefits, including:

Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid

A combination of these two ingredients seems to be good for moisturizing products such as lotions and creams. Both are oil-free natural moisturizing ingredients. They provide moisture without the sticky feeling that dimethicone does.

Squalane

It has a light feel similar to dimethicone, It moisturizes the skin and is non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores and won't seal the skin.
(There are two types of squalane: plant-based (derived from olives) and animal-based (derived from sharks).

Kaolin

Clay absorbs and controls excess sebum, and acts like dimethicone to keep skin matte.

When to avoid dimethicone

If you want to avoid silicone oils that contain dimethicone due to your skin type or preferences, it's best to choose one that doesn't contain the following ingredients:

• ~ Con ( Dimethicone )
• ~ Siloxane ( cyclopentasiloxane )
• ~ Conol ( Dimethiconol )

If the ingredient name ends with this, it is likely to be a silicone ingredient.