What does dimethicone do in a moisturizer?

How does dimethicone help your skin?

Dimethicone is a silicone that does two jobs in a moisturizer. As an emollient, an ingredient that softens skin, it fills spaces between flakes in the outermost skin layer to make the surface smoother. As an occlusive, an ingredient that forms a protective surface film, it contributes to the moisturizer's barrier function.2

That is different from attracting water. Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid help skin hold water, while dimethicone provides surface protection and softness. These roles complement each other. Dimethicone's film allows water vapor through rather than forming a watertight seal; petroleum based products are more effective at reducing water loss.13

Dimethicone also appears as an active skin protectant in some products. For example, Secura Dimethicone Protectant contains 5% dimethicone and temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked skin and lips. Those are directions and uses for that particular cream, not a reason to treat every moisturizer containing dimethicone as a medicated protectant.4

Is dimethicone suitable for oily or acne prone skin?

Dimethicone can be useful for oily skin because it moisturizes without adding a greasy shine. It is considered noncomedogenic, meaning it is not expected to clog pores. A finished moisturizer can still feel heavy or aggravate acne because its other ingredients and overall formula matter.13

Moisturizer can also help with dryness and irritation from acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. Dimethicone's role here is moisturizing support, not replacing the acne treatment. Choose the moisturizer by its texture and how your skin tolerates it, rather than letting one ingredient name run the interview.2

Which moisturizer should you choose?

For very dry skin, the cream or ointment format matters more than a front label with a talent for adjectives. Creams and ointments provide more moisture than lotions, and dimethicone is one useful ingredient to look for. For mild dryness, a lighter moisturizer can be enough. Dimethicone itself is not greasy, but combining it with petrolatum or other ingredients can produce a richer finish.256

For dry or sensitive skin, choose a fragrance free formula. "Unscented" is not the same thing: products with that label can contain ingredients that mask odors and irritate sensitive skin. Preservatives and fragrances in moisturizers can also trigger contact allergy.35

How do you use a dimethicone moisturizer?

1. 1After washing or bathing, gently pat your skin with a towel, leaving it slightly damp.
2. 2Apply your moisturizer immediately and gently massage it into your skin.
3. 3Reapply when your skin feels dry and after washing your hands. Slightly dry skin may need only a light moisturizer at night; more persistent dryness needs more frequent application.

The surface smoothing comes from the film dimethicone forms when applied. Keeping dryness controlled requires regular moisturizing rather than a single application. Moisturizers' therapeutic effects are greatest during the first six hours after application, and two to three applications a day can be needed to maximize benefits.16

When should you stop using it?

Stop using a moisturizer if it causes a rash consistent with contact dermatitis. Tell a dermatologist if products cause burning, stinging or irritation, or if dryness persists despite regular moisturizing. Most barrier creams should not be applied directly to broken skin; follow the particular product's directions rather than assuming all dimethicone formulas have the same uses.356