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Dimethicone
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about dimethicone. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
Please note: Dimethicone is an FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant drug ingredient at 1–30%. An ORY® product that claims to protect or relieve chafed, chapped, or cracked skin is an OTC drug and must carry a Drug Facts label. ORY® products that use dimethicone without a Drug Facts label are cosmetics. Silicone gel sheets and gels for scars are regulated as medical devices, and ORY® does not make scar claims.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Dimethicone is a silicone polymer (polydimethylsiloxane). In ORY® products, it forms a light, breathable film that helps skin hold in moisture, gives creams and makeup a silky feel, and helps hair feel smooth and look shiny. |
Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel found dimethicone safe in cosmetics and, in its 2022 amended report, safe when formulated to be non-irritating (data were insufficient for airbrush use). FDA also lists dimethicone as an OTC skin protectant at 1–30%.
Citations:
- Nair, B. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel). (2003). Final report on the safety assessment of stearoxy dimethicone, dimethicone, methicone, … and vinyldimethicone. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 2), 11–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810390204854
- What it shows: Original CIR safety assessment.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
- What it shows: Amended CIR safety assessment.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 347.10(g) — Dimethicone, 1 to 30 percent, as an over-the-counter skin protectant active ingredient. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-347
- What it shows: FDA skin protectant rule.
- Nair, B. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel). (2003). Final report on the safety assessment of stearoxy dimethicone, dimethicone, methicone, … and vinyldimethicone. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 2), 11–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810390204854
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Dimethicone is made from silica through silicon-methyl intermediates and comes in grades from water-thin fluids to thick gums. It is inert, colorless, and odorless, and it is not biodegradable. |
Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is well documented.
Citations:
- Nair, B. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel). (2003). Final report on the safety assessment of stearoxy dimethicone, dimethicone, methicone, … and vinyldimethicone. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 2), 11–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810390204854
- What it shows: Describes chemistry.
- Nair, B. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel). (2003). Final report on the safety assessment of stearoxy dimethicone, dimethicone, methicone, … and vinyldimethicone. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 2), 11–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810390204854
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Dimethicone suits all skin types. |
Verification: Supported. CIR found dimethicone non-irritating and non-sensitizing at use concentrations.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
- What it shows: Safety data.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, dimethicone coats hair to reduce friction and tangling, add slip and shine, and help protect against heat styling. |
Verification: Supported. Silicone conditioning is well established in hair science. Non-water-soluble grades can build up and need occasional clarifying.
Citations:
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Review of hair cosmetics, including silicones.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
5. Benefits
Claim: Dimethicone helps skin feel smooth and moisturized, improves how products spread and wear, and helps hair feel smooth. |
Verification: Supported. Moisturizer reviews support dimethicone’s film-forming, moisture-holding role. Silicone gels and sheets are used to soften and flatten scars, but scar products are medical devices, and ORY® does not make scar claims. Dimethicone improves how sunscreens spread, but it is not a sunscreen ingredient.
Citations:
- Nolan, K., & Marmur, E. (2012). Moisturizers: Reality and the skin benefits. Dermatologic Therapy, 25(3), 229–233. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01504.x
- What it shows: Review of moisturizers.
- Mustoe, T. A. (2008). Evolution of silicone therapy and mechanism of action in scar management. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 32(1), 82–92. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-007-9030-9
- What it shows: Review of silicone scar therapy.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 878.4025 — Silicone sheeting (medical device intended for the management of closed hypertrophic and keloid scars). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-878/subpart-E/section-878.4025
- What it shows: FDA device rule for silicone scar sheeting.
- Nolan, K., & Marmur, E. (2012). Moisturizers: Reality and the skin benefits. Dermatologic Therapy, 25(3), 229–233. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01504.x
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Dimethicone is used in ORY® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics as a disclosed option. It is not used in handmade soap. |
Verification: Supported. Use levels fall within the ranges CIR reviewed. Dimethicone does not saponify, so it does not work in cold-process soap.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–10% (1–30% in products with a Drug Facts label) | Moisturizers, primers, hand creams, and barrier creams. |
| Haircare | 0.5–5% | Conditioners, serums, heat protectants, and leave-ins. |
| Cosmetics | 2–30% | Primers, foundations, setting sprays, mascaras, lip products, and powders. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
- What it shows: Reported use concentrations.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 347.10(g) — Dimethicone, 1 to 30 percent, as an over-the-counter skin protectant active ingredient. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-347
- What it shows: FDA skin protectant range.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
7. Pros
Claim: Inert, well tolerated, and backed by CIR and FDA review. |
Verification: Supported. One of the most studied cosmetic ingredients.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
8. Cons
Claim: Dimethicone is not biodegradable, can build up on hair, and adds no nutrients. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Environment. Not biodegradable.
- Buildup. Can accumulate on hair; clarify occasionally.
- No nutrients. Provides feel and protection only.
- Drug and device rules. Protectant and scar claims have their own rules.
- Not for soap. Does not saponify.
Citations:
- Nair, B. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel). (2003). Final report on the safety assessment of stearoxy dimethicone, dimethicone, methicone, … and vinyldimethicone. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 2), 11–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810390204854
- What it shows: Chemistry.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Hair buildup.
- Nair, B. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel). (2003). Final report on the safety assessment of stearoxy dimethicone, dimethicone, methicone, … and vinyldimethicone. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 2), 11–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810390204854
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- For products with a Drug Facts label, follow that label.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
- What it shows: Safety assessment.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2022). Amended safety assessment of dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/FAR_Methicones_032022.pdf
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- Mustoe, T. A. (2008). Evolution of silicone therapy and mechanism of action in scar management. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 32(1), 82–92. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-007-9030-9
- Nair, B. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel). (2003). Final report on the safety assessment of stearoxy dimethicone, dimethicone, methicone, … and vinyldimethicone. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 2), 11–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810390204854
- Nolan, K., & Marmur, E. (2012). Moisturizers: Reality and the skin benefits. Dermatologic Therapy, 25(3), 229–233. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01504.x
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 347.10(g) — Dimethicone, 1 to 30 percent, as an over-the-counter skin protectant active ingredient. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-347
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 878.4025 — Silicone sheeting (medical device intended for the management of closed hypertrophic and keloid scars). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-878/subpart-E/section-878.4025
