Is dimethicone in cosmetics safe?

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You can find dimethicone in cosmetics and skin or hair care products. So why is the chemical dimethicone added to cosmetics and is it safe to use cosmetics containing dimethicone?

1. What is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is a silicone-based pharmaceutical chemical and is used in many cosmetics such as primers, foundations, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, and other skin and hair care products.
Dimethicone keeps all ingredients in a product from separating, while giving the product a smooth and silky texture. When applied to the skin or hair, dimethicone creates a physical barrier that helps retain moisture in the skin and prevents frizz.
In cosmetics, dimethicone helps fill in wrinkles and helps makeup look more even, not sticky. Dimethicone is also hypoallergenic and does not clog pores.

2. What effects does Dimethicone have?

Dimethicone is included in many cosmetics and skin and hair care products because of the following effects:
Cosmetics: Dimethicone smooths, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and creates a protective barrier of the skin. . Moisturizer: Dimethicone forms a layer on the skin, reducing water loss and retaining moisture. Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products: Dimethicone coats the hair shafts and smooths the hair's cuticle, creating shine while protecting hair from heat damage. Anti-itch products: Dimethicone helps moisturize the skin and retain water, so can help soothe dry and itchy skin.

3. Is Dimethicone for skin and hair safe?

Some consumers are concerned about the safety of dimethicone, as it is a chemical that is not derived from nature. Meanwhile, they also help form a barrier, so when applied to the skin and hair, dirt and sweat stick to the oil, which can clog pores, leading to acne.
However, the amount of dimethicone in facial and hair products is considered safe, below 15%. In addition, there is no data to prove that cosmetics containing dimethicone are unsafe. This is a product that is less likely to be absorbed into the skin due to its large molecular weight.
But a small number of cases may be allergic to cosmetics containing dimethicone, with manifestations such as redness, itching, swelling, burning skin, eczema, skin irritation. When seeing these symptoms, consumers should immediately wash the product layer on the skin gently with soap and water, then need to stop using the product.
If the manifestations of reactions do not improve within a few days, consumers should contact and go to a medical facility with a dermatology specialist to be checked, to avoid the allergy becoming more serious. Dimethicone can also accumulate in the hair and prevent the penetration of moisturizing ingredients if hair care products containing dimethicone are used. Then, change to a shampoo that cleans the skin regularly.
Dimethicone in skin care cosmetics and hair care products is safe to use, because they have low concentrations. However, some people with sensitive skin may be allergic to products containing dimethicone.
Knowing the information about Dimethicone in cosmetics will help you understand and make the right choices for your skin and hair care products.
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Reference source: healthline.com