What Is Dimethicone Used for In Beauty Products?

When it comes to cosmetic and skincare ingredients, some are instantly recognizable—hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, for example. If you’re a beauty lover, you probably have at least a passing familiarity with what these hero ingredients do. But plenty of lesser-known ingredients quietly make their way into the products we use every day. Dimethicone is one of the most ubiquitous.

Dimethicone—a type of silicone—shows up in nearly every skincare and haircare product, and even in many makeup staples, yet not everyone is a. If you’ve spotted it on a product label and wondered what it actually does, we’re here to clear things up. Ahead, we’ll break down what dimethicone is, why it’s such a popular beauty ingredient, and what to keep in mind when using it in your routine.

What Is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is a man-made silicone molecule commonly found in beauty products thanks to its emollient properties. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), it functions as an anti-foaming agent, skin protectant, skin conditioning agent, and hair conditioning agent. It’s non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. While you can find dimethicone in a wide range of products, it’s most commonly found in products designed to help hydrate or lock in moisture, including facial serums, moisturizers, hair conditioners, and leave-in hair products. It’s also frequently found in liquid makeup products such as primers, foundations, and concealers. 

What Is Dimethicone Used For in Skincare?

Dimethicone comes in several different forms, each with slightly different properties and benefits. Certain types act as emulsifiers, giving products a smooth, uniform texture, while others help stabilize solutions, ensuring your creams, serums, and lotions perform as intended.

Beyond its functional role in formulations, dimethicone also offers direct benefits for the skin. As explained in a 2023 article published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, it helps trap moisture, which can stave off dryness and give the skin a smooth look and feel. In leave-on formulas, such as moisturizers and serums, dimethicone also forms a lightweight barrier on the skin, which can help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as cold, dry air or harsh indoor heating. 

What Does Dimethicone Do For Hair?

According to a review published in the International Journal of Trichology, dimethicone is one of the most widely used silicones in the haircare industry. It forms a thin, protective layer over the hair shaft, which helps boost shine, smooth the cuticle, and shield strands against friction caused by brushing, tugging, or styling. This protective coating can also help lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and improve your hair’s softness and manageability. 

Dimethicone is generally suitable for all hair types and textures, from straight to coily. However, those with very fine or thin hair may want to opt for lightweight formulas or use silicone-based products more sparingly. Because dimethicone sits on the surface of the hair, overusing stylers with this ingredient can weigh down finer strands and make them appear greasy or flat over time (nothing a good clarifying shampoo can’t fix).

4 Notable Benefits of Dimethicone for Skin and Hair

Dimethicone is a versatile silicone that enhances both the feel and performance of skincare and haircare products. Below, we break down some of its standout benefits.

1. Enhances product texture

In both skincare and haircare products, dimethicone helps create slip. It imparts products with a smooth, velvety texture and enhances spreadability, making creams, serums, and lotions glide easily over the skin or hair.

2. Helps lock in moisture 

As mentioned, dimethicone forms a lightweight, breathable barrier on the skin and hair, helping lock in moisture. In skincare, it’s widely used as an emollient to help hydrate dry or thirsty skin and may help plump the look of fine lines. It can also help stave off dryness when used in haircare products. Plus, the protective coating it forms can help reduce frizz, boost shine, and protect hair from unnecessary damage.

3. It’s non-comedogenic 

Dimethicone is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This makes it particularly useful for those with oily or blemish-prone skin who may need to select their moisturizers carefully to avoid aggravating breakouts. 

4. Provides slip

Across skincare and haircare, dimethicone acts as a powerful smoothing agent. It helps formulas feel lightweight and silky, enhances how products spread and absorb, and contributes to an overall more refined application experience.

Is Dimethicone Safe for Skin?

According to the CIR, dimethicone is considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, and there is no scientific evidence supporting true dimethicone allergies. While some people may believe they’re reacting to dimethicone, it’s more likely that another ingredient—such as a preservative or fragrance—is responsible.

Unlike some other silicones, dimethicone is also not classified as a hormone disruptor, and research to date has not shown it to interfere with the endocrine system. Adverse side effects are rare; when they do occur, they’re typically related to irritation from other ingredients in the formula rather than the dimethicone itself.

Because it’s non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and widely well-tolerated, dimethicone is commonly used even in products designed for sensitive skin and babies. As with any ingredient, though, reactions are still possible. If you experience irritation, redness, or discomfort after using a haircare or skincare product, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist for guidance. 

Is Dimethicone Safe for Hair?

There’s currently no scientific evidence suggesting that dimethicone is harmful to the hair. In fact, when used correctly, dimethicone can be a great addition to your haircare routine, regardless of your hair type, because it helps smooth the cuticle, reduces friction, boosts shine, and enhances manageability.

That said, how you use it matters. As mentioned earlier, those with fine hair should use silicone-based products sparingly to prevent weighing down their hair or making it look greasy over time. This is especially true for finer curly hair, where excess weight can stretch out curls and reduce definition.

A helpful workaround is to choose products formulated specifically for your hair type, texture, and concerns. This ensures you’re getting the right concentration and format of silicones for your strands. If you’re concerned about buildup, you can also incorporate a clarifying scalp serum into your routine once per week or as needed. We love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Oil-Erasing Serum. The rinse-out formula contains a gentle 6% exfoliating complex and removes up to 100% of scalp residue for purified roots and healthy-looking hair. Use it weekly or as needed to keep buildup at bay.

What Are The Side Effects of Dimethicone?

As dimethicone is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, it’s unlikely to cause significant side effects when used on the skin. Most people tolerate it well, including those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

In haircare, the most common “side effect” isn’t irritation, but greasiness or heaviness—usually from overapplication or using a formula that’s too rich for your hair type. This is especially noticeable in finer hair textures and can easily be addressed with a clarifying shampoo or scalp serum.

Of course, everyone’s skin and scalp react differently. If you experience any discomfort or irritation after using a new skincare or haircare product, discontinue use and contact your dermatologist for guidance.

Does Dimethicone Cause Hair Loss?

There’s no scientific evidence to suggest that dimethicone causes or worsens hair loss. In fact, its protective, smoothing properties can help the hair better withstand everyday stressors (like friction from brushing or styling) that can otherwise lead to breakage. By reducing this breakage, dimethicone may actually help support healthier-looking, more resilient strands.

It’s also important to remember that the average person naturally sheds about 100 hairs per day. If you’re noticing significantly more hair fall than usual or your hair looks noticeably thinner over time, it’s a good idea to consult your dermatologist. They can help you get to the root of the issue (pun intended).

Our Best Skincare Products with Dimethicone

If you’re interested in trying dimethicone in skincare, the products below are a great place to start. Each formula features dimethicone alongside other skin-loving ingredients to help support a healthy, balanced complexion.

L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum

This potent vitamin C serum works quickly to visibly reduce three key signs of skin aging: uneven tone, enlarged pores, and fine lines. It boasts a lightweight, non-greasy texture and is non-comedogenic, so it’s suitable even for blemish-prone skin. You can use it any time of day, but we recommend incorporating it into your morning routine to help support a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. 

L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Serum Le Duo

If you’re looking for a face serum suitable for mature skin, this is a great one to try. The luxe formula combines two targeted serums in one to help address 10 key signs of skin aging, including dullness, fine lines, and laxity. Immediately, your skin will feel nourished and moisturized. With continued use, you’ll notice an improvement in skin texture, tone, and radiance.

If you have dark spots or areas of discoloration, consider adding this serum to your routine. Formulated with brightening niacinamide, it works quickly to help fade the look of dark spots and support a clearer, more even-looking complexion. You can also use it on your neck, décolletage, and hands—areas that commonly develop dark spots thanks to frequent sun exposure. 

L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Eye Treatment

If you’re looking to target under‑eye wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles, this multi‑action eye treatment is a solid pick. It combines pro‑retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to firm, brighten, and hydrate delicate skin around the eyes. Plus, it comes with a cool metal-tip applicator to help depuff and massage product in smoothly, making your morning and evening routines feel extra soothing.

L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30

This anti-aging moisturizer combines three dermatologist‑backed actives—pro‑retinol, Vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid—with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to visibly reduce wrinkles, firm skin (including the jawline), and boost radiance. It hydrates for up to 48 hours, is non-greasy, and leaves no white cast, making it suitable for all skin types and tones.

L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream

If you have oily skin and need a lightweight moisturizer that won’t leave you feeling greasy, give this one a try. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides and helps lock in hydration without a heavy or slick feel. With regular use, you’ll notice more hydrated skin—and a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines.

L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Vitamin C Glow Moisturizer

This lightweight daily moisturizer delivers a boost of radiance from day one with a dermatologist-backed blend of vitamin C, niacinamide, and ceramides. It visibly fades post-acne marks, evens skin tone, and keeps skin hydrated for 72 hours—all without feeling heavy or greasy. Ideal for all skin types, it’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin while helping support a healthy, glowing complexion.

L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Pressed Night Moisturizer with Retinol + Niacinamide

Perfect for retinol beginners, this creamy night moisturizer combines powerful anti-aging retinol with a blend of soothing ingredients, including dimethicone, to help prevent dryness. With regular use, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening skin tone. If you’re a first-time retinol user or have sensitive skin, start by using it twice a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin acclimates.

Our Best Haircare Products with Dimethicone

In haircare, dimethicone helps smooth strands, boost shine, and improve manageability and body. Here are some standout products featuring this ingredient that you can add to your routine.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo

If you have damaged hair thanks to frequent coloring or heat styling, consider adding this strengthening shampoo to your routine ASAP. It’s formulated with citric acid and works from the inside out to help reinforce weak hair bonds and reduce breakage. Plus, it’s sulfate-free, color-safe, and suitable for all hair types and textures. For the best results, we recommend pairing it with the coordinating L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Treatment and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Conditioner.

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine-Boosting Shampoo

If your hair looks dull or lackluster, this shampoo is a great pick. Formulated with glycolic acid, it gently smooths the hair fiber, helps remove buildup, and boosts shine for more radiant, silky strands. For optimal results, follow with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss Shine-Boosting Conditioner to lock in moisture and enhance shine.

L’Oréal Paris Glycolic + Gloss High-Shine Leave-In Serum

If you want a quick boost of shine to finish your hairstyle, this lightweight leave‑in serum is a smart move. Infused with a 4% glycolic acid complex and dimethicone, it smooths the hair fiber and helps the strands reflect more light for a glassy, high‑gloss finish. Use it on damp or dry hair to seal in shine without a slick or greasy feel.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair Hair Oil-in-Serum

Before styling your hair with any hot tools, work this oil-in-serum throughout your strands. It protects against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, helping your hair resist the damaging effects of heat. It also helps strengthen, soften, and add shine to dull, lackluster strands. You can even apply it to dry hair as a finishing touch to boost shine and smoothness—just remember that with dimethicone-infused leave-ins, less is very often more.

Next Up: What Are Ceramides and Why Your Routine Needs Them Now

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris