Why is dimethicone considered bad?

Is dimethicone bad for skin?

Generally, no. Dimethicone is a silicone used in moisturizers and barrier creams. It forms a thin, nongreasy layer and smooths the skin's outer surface. Silicone barrier creams are less greasy than petroleum based products, although petroleum based products are more effective at limiting water loss. Dimethicone can therefore be useful when you want barrier support without a heavy finish.12

Dimethicone is considered noncomedogenic, meaning it does not tend to clog pores. Silicone based facial moisturizers can suit oily skin. That does not make every cream containing dimethicone suitable for acne: some occlusive creams, which form a protective surface layer, can aggravate acne. Judge the finished moisturizer by how it behaves on your skin, rather than putting one ingredient on trial for the entire jar.14

How should you use a moisturizer containing dimethicone?

Use it as a moisturizer, not as a separate treatment with its own schedule. Apply a leave on cream or lotion immediately after bathing to help retain moisture. Slightly dry skin may only need a light moisturizer at night; drier skin needs more frequent application. Moisturizing benefits are greatest in the first six hours after application, so regular use matters more than waiting for a permanent change.4

Creams are lighter than ointments, while lotions are useful for hairy areas or mild dryness. Choose the texture that meets your needs, not the one that turns moisturizing into a loyalty test.4

Is dimethicone bad for hair?

Not inherently. Silicones form a film that reduces friction between hair strands and adds shine, slip and smoothness. Dimethicone also protects the hair shaft from abrasion. Those are useful conditioning effects, particularly when the aim is easier handling and less friction, rather than simply avoiding a named ingredient.1

Dimethicone is insoluble in water, so rinsing with water and washing with shampoo are different jobs. Shampoo cleansers can remove silicone conditioning agents, along with styling residue and excess oil. Dimethicone can also reduce shampoo lather; foam is not a performance review. Strong cleansing and scrubbing can remove hair lipids and contribute to roughness, so chasing a completely stripped feeling is not a useful goal.13

When should you stop using the product?

Stop a moisturizer if contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction, develops. Fragrances, preservatives and other formula components can cause reactions; dimethicone is not automatically the cause. If you suspect an allergy, a clinician can investigate with patch testing. Most barrier creams should not be applied directly to broken skin.24