The ingredient, explained

Dimethicone

A silicone ingredient studied in a barrier-care washcloth for incontinence-associated dermatitis.

EmollientOcclusiveAntifoamingSkin conditioningSkin protecting

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Dimethicone is a silicone material used in cosmetic formulas. Its recorded emollient role means it helps soften and smooth the skin surface; it can also reduce unwanted foam in the formula.

About this ingredient: CosIng identity and functions via Open Beauty Facts ↗ · European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗ · PubChem: Dimethicone ↗

Emollient: Helps soften and smooth the skin surface.
Occlusive: A surface-covering role that can reduce water loss through the skin. The amount of occlusion depends on the material and the formula.
Antifoaming: Reduces unwanted foam during manufacture or product use.
Skin conditioning: A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.
Skin protecting: A technical role associated with protecting skin from external factors.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗ · PubMed: Measurement of oil and petrolatum occlusion ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human research on a combination

A 120-day trial included 141 residents in 11 Belgian nursing-home wards. A cleansing and moisturising washcloth containing 3% dimethicone reduced dermatitis prevalence relative to water and pH-neutral soap; the difference in severity was not statistically significant.

What this does not tell us

The trial tested a complete washcloth and care protocol, with allocation by ward. It cannot isolate dimethicone or establish facial hydration, acne or anti-ageing effects of another product.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 21952346 ↗

Research review checked Sep 30, 2026

Selected primary sources were reviewed for the existing research brief on 30 September 2026, with exact ingredient, route and combination limitations recorded. This was a bounded editorial review, not a systematic search.