Is Dimethicone Safe?

Dimethicone is an ingredient widely used in various skincare and cosmetic products. To provide clear information and alleviate customer concerns, our team has gathered information about Dimethicone and its alternatives.

Dimethicone is a type of silicone that has been approved as safe for cosmetic use by regulatory bodies worldwide, such as the FDA in the United States and similar agencies in Europe and other countries. Dimethicone is not a carcinogen, and there is no reliable scientific evidence indicating that it is harmful to health when used in cosmetic products as intended.

The main functions of Dimethicone in cosmetic formulations are:

• Providing a smooth, silky feel: Makes the product easy to spread and feel smooth on the skin.
• Creating a thin film on the skin: Helps retain moisture, reduce water loss, and protect the skin from external factors.
• Reducing tackiness: Helps the product feel non-sticky after application.
• Dimethicone 1Secs is a special type of Dimethicone known for its very fast evaporation rate, similar to alcohol but without the irritation. It provides a quick-drying, slippery feel and can even help generate foam in cleansing products.

Concerns about silicones often arise from misunderstandings or inaccurate information. In reality, Dimethicone is an ingredient with a long history of use and extensive safety studies.

Alternatives if You Need to Avoid Dimethicone

If customers remain concerned and wish to avoid Dimethicone, or if you need to adjust your formula to meet market demand for silicone-free products, there are other ingredients that can be used as substitutes to provide similar properties, especially regarding the light and smooth feel on the skin.

Interesting alternatives include:

• Caprylyl Methicone: This is an alternative silicone that provides a lightweight feel and evaporates quickly, similar to volatile Dimethicone types. It is a good option for replacing Dimethicone 1Secs or Cyclomethicone.
• LipidSoft™ Series: These are various Emollient esters that offer different skin feels. You can choose types that provide a light, non-greasy feel and help the product spread easily, such as:
  • LipidSoft™ Lite: Provides a lightweight, fast-absorbing feel.
  • LipidSoft™ Cyclo: Developed to replace Cyclomethicone, which has properties similar to lightweight, volatile Dimethicone.
• Isododecane: This is a fast-evaporating hydrocarbon that provides a dry and lightweight feel. It is suitable for formulas requiring a non-tacky and quick-drying sensation.

The choice of substitute depends on the specific properties of Dimethicone you are trying to replace in the formula. If you need fast evaporation and a dry feel, Caprylyl Methicone or Isododecane might be good options. However, if you need smoothness and a skin-coating film without emphasizing fast evaporation, lightweight Emollient esters from the LipidSoft™ series are another alternative.

It is recommended to test the substitutes in your formula to evaluate the texture and skin feel results to achieve the desired product.