INGREDIENT GLOSSARY • Emollient

Dimethicone

AT A GLANCE

Dimethicone

A silicone-based polymer that helps lock in moisture and protect the skin.

Type of Ingredient

Emollient

Why we use it

Dimethicone is one of the most common ingredients in skincare, and for good reason. It helps lock in moisture by preventing transepidermal water loss, and can actually be used as a medical-grade skin protectant in some formulas. It also provides slip to cream and lotion formulas, so they don’t feel tacky or greasy.

What it’s in

Interface, Lipid Gold, Lipid Gold Eye Cream, Night Shift

Dimethicone belongs to a huge class of ingredients called silicones, which are derived from silica (the element found in beach sand and quartz). Dimethicone is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic, which makes it an ideal moisturizing ingredient for those with sensitive or blemish-prone skin.

Dimethicone is actually FDA-approved to be used as a medical-grade skin protectant, which is why you often see it in skin-protecting ointments like diaper rash creams. In Stratia products, it’s used for its moisturizing and occlusive properties to help keep skin soft and hydrated.

In several studies, dimethicone-based skincare products have been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and prevent irritation. In one particular study, skin was treated with a dimethicone-based lotion and then cleansed with an irritating detergent. The treated skin saw significantly less TEWL and visual irritation than the skin that wasn’t pre-treated, meaning dimethicone can help reduce irritation even as it’s being washed off.


Sources:

This article is reviewed by Alli Reed on 4/25/2023.

Shop This Ingredient

Interface

Lipid Gold

50ml
100ml

Night Shift