Ingredient decoder

Dimethicone: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Dimethicone

Acne verdict Low clog risk

Not a known pore-clogger

  • Comedogenic1 / 5
  • Irritancy0 / 5

What it does

Silicone that gives slip and forms a light protective layer.

  • Antifoaming
  • Emollient
  • Skin conditioning
  • Skin protecting

Dimethicone in plain English

Dimethicone is the most common silicone in skincare. It gives products a smooth, silky slip and forms a light, breathable layer that helps hold in moisture. Silicones do not clog pores in standard tests, though some people with acne-prone skin feel heavy layers trap oil and debris. The evidence is mixed rather than clear, so it is fine to judge by how your own skin reacts.

Is dimethicone bad for acne?

Not based on the evidence we have. Dimethicone is not a known pore-clogger: it scored 1 out of 5 in Fulton's 1989 rabbit-ear test of the raw ingredient. Our checker rates it as fine for acne-prone skin, so judge by how your own skin reacts.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Dimethicone
  • Polydimethylsiloxane

Related ingredients

Browse all ingredients A to Z

Frequently asked questions

Is dimethicone comedogenic?

Dimethicone scored 1 out of 5 for comedogenicity in Fulton's 1989 rabbit-ear study, where 0 means no clogging and 5 means severe. That is a low rating. The test used the raw ingredient, so a finished product may behave differently.

What does dimethicone do in skincare?

In short: silicone that gives slip and forms a light protective layer. In formulas it is used for antifoaming, emollient, skin conditioning and skin protecting.

What else is dimethicone called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, dimethicone can also appear as Polydimethylsiloxane.

Sources