What is Dimethicone?
Dimethicone which is also known as Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a chemical substance uses widely in cosmetics and also in fast food items. This is a type of silicone that is made up of several types of silicone oils which gives its unique properties. PDMS helps to reduce the loss of moisture from the skin and also makes skin shiner.
Because of the special properties of DMS, it is used in skincare products, Body care products, Haircare products, and baby oils.
As the research done by US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), Dimethicone was stated to be used in 12,934 products including the above-listed products. Dimethicone helps to improve the quality of the products and also very good for our skin and hair.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Dimethicone
PDMS acts as a thick liquid at higher temperatures and it acts as a solid which is elastic at low temperatures.
Dimethicone is chemically inactive and also it is hydrophobic (Tends to repel with water). Dimethicone is a substance with higher viscosity that is non-flammable, non-toxic, and has high crystalline nature.
The chemical formula is,
CH3[Si(CH3)2O]nSi(CH3)3
Usage of Dimethicone
Dimethicone is mainly used in skin care products because it provides mattified finish on our skin. Because of the fluid property of the Dimethicone, it finely delivers to each cell of the skin providing maximum efficiency on our making the skin glow more.
Dimethicone helps in many ways to improve the quality of the skin and also the hair.
1.Protects the skin
The main reason for the dryness of our skin is exposing the skin to polluted air. Dimethicone protects the skin from all those pollutants and prevents the drying of the skin.
2. Prevents the skin from Acne.
Another main advantageous feature of Dimethicone is it is not acnegenic or comedogenic (doesn’t tends to produce acne or blackheads on the skin). Therefore products containing PDMS can be used for any of the skin types including most sensitive skin types and oily skin types.
3.Texture
PDMS improves the texture of the product. Because of its fluidity nature, it always gives silkiness to the product which makes it spread smoothly throughout the whole skin.
This is why Dimethicone is also used in primers because it improves the glowing of the skin.
4.Act as a surfactant
Not only for skin but also for hair treatments Dimethicone is very useful. Dimethicone compounds act as a surfactant for the hair and treat the damaged hair very effectively. It also improves the shine of the hair and also uses to treat lice and other small insects which grow in hair.
Substitutes
Dimethicone-containing products are safe and effective products for most skin and hair-related problems. As a substitute for Dimethicone, there are many natural moisturizers that anyone can afford. Some of them are coconut oil, Olive oil, Honey, etc.
But as some of us are not much compatible with these natural products, we can use Panthenol which is a form of Vitamin B5 as a substitute for Dimethicone. It is there in many different types and names such as Pantothenyl alcohol, N-Pantoylpropanolamine, Bepanthen, Dexpanthenol, etc.
Storage
Dimethicone spray which is used to treat lice other tiny insects is flammable. We have to keep it away from heat. And when the product is used we have to discard it properly.
Safety
Silicones are considered a safety matter in all applications.
Dimethicone is the main product of silicone that ensures its safety in all products such as Skincare products, Haircare products, and all others.
But as common for all chemical substances, some types of skin may show allergy reactions such as redness, irritations, swelling, etc. with Dimethicone products.
If you experienced such symptoms, you have to wash off the products with soap and water. Then just stop using it.
If the symptoms continue, see a health care provider.
Based on research carried out by the cosmetic ingredient Review Expert Panel. It is safe using Dimethicone. But it is better to read MSDS (Manufacture safety Data Sheet) for all the chemicals that you use.
Love Light,
Aarti