Dimethicone

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Dimethicone?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Dimethicone is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, dimethicone in creams and lotions is generally low risk. It helps protect and smooth skin and rarely causes allergy or irritation for most people.

What to Do

Use products with dimethicone on normal, unbroken skin as directed. Avoid aerosol or spray forms that can be inhaled. If you prefer to limit exposure, look for products that say they are free of certain cyclic siloxanes (listed on the label) or choose rinse-off products. If you have sensitive skin or known silicone allergy, patch test first or ask your doctor.

⚠️Warnings

Some government and chemical agencies have raised concerns about impurities and environmental build-up (for example cyclopentasiloxane and cyclotetrasiloxane) and recommend use or concentration limits (sources: Environment Canada, REACH evaluation, and industry safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Also avoid getting sprays in the lungs (do not inhale) and avoid use on broken skin. Watch for any skin irritation or unusual reaction and stop use if that happens.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Builds Up: Regulators have said some forms are persistent and can bioaccumulate in people and wildlife. A REACH substance evaluation and Environment Canada findings name persistence and bioaccumulation as a concern, so this ingredient (or its related siloxanes) can build up over time.
Environmental: Environment Canada flagged this chemistry as suspected to harm the environment. The same evaluations note persistence in wildlife, meaning it can stay in nature and affect animals and ecosystems.
Organ Risk: An assessment by Environment Canada classified non-reproductive organ system toxicity as a concern, meaning repeated exposure may harm organs (for example, liver or kidneys) according to that regulator.
Banned: Some related siloxanes listed as contaminants (for example, cyclopentasiloxane / cyclotetrasiloxane and similar substances) have been heavily restricted by regulators under REACH and by other national reviews. Industry safety reviews also recommend limits or product-type restrictions.
Long-Term Risk: Because parts of this class are persistent and regulators and industry panels recommend use limits, there is a potential for long-term harms from repeated use or environmental build-up, as noted in REACH and Cosmetic Ingredient Review summaries.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Dimethicone

This ingredient may also be listed as:

dimethicone1 dimethiconeDIMETHICONEANW-15818CO9816MFCD00132673INTERMEDIATE VISCOSITY POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE ANTIFOAM EMULSION, 10% ACTIVE, VISCOSITY 1000-2000CSTINTERMEDIATE VISCOSITY POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE ANTIFOAM EMULSION, 30% ACTIVE, VISCOSITY 1500CSTPOLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE, TRIMETHYLSILOXY TERMINATED, REDUCED VOLATILITY, VISCOSITY 20 CST.INTERMEDIATE VISCOSITY POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE ANTIFOAM EMULSION, 30% ACTIVE, VISCOSITY 1000-2000CSTINTERMEDIATE VISCOSITY POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE ANTIFOAM EMULSION, 10% ACTIVE, VISCOSITY 800-2000CSTPOLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE, TRIMETHYLSILOXY TERMINATED, EXTREME LOW VOLATILITY, VISCOSITY 12.500 CST.INTERMEDIATE VISCOSITY POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE ANTIFOAM EMULSION, 20% ACTIVE, VISCOSITY 1000-2000CST

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Dimethicone

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Dimethicone or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Dimethicone

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Dimethicone safety and effects.

Common Questions About Dimethicone

Is this safe for adults to use Dimethicone?

Yes, Dimethicone is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the builds up risks of Dimethicone for adults?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the environmental risks of Dimethicone for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What are the organ risk risks of Dimethicone for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the banned risks of Dimethicone for adults?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What are the long-term risk risks of Dimethicone for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Dimethicone?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product