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Dimethiconol

What Dimethiconol is & what it does

A high-molecular-weight silicone that forms a smoothing, conditioning film and adds gloss and slip. It helps soften the skin surface and lock in moisture.

What is Dimethiconol and what does it do in sunscreen?

Dimethiconol is a silicone emollient. In a sunscreen it forms a smoothing, conditioning film on the skin that adds gloss and slip and helps the product spread evenly. That film also softens the skin surface and helps lock in moisture, giving the formula a silky, non-greasy feel.

Is Dimethiconol safe?

Yes. Dimethiconol is a high-molecular-weight silicone that is widely used and well tolerated in skincare and sunscreen. It is inert and sits on the surface of the skin rather than penetrating, and silicones of this type are considered safe as used in cosmetics. It is also non-irritating and non-sensitizing for most people.

Does Dimethiconol clog pores?

Generally no. Dimethiconol is considered low on the comedogenicity scale and is not one of the classic pore-clogging culprits. Its film is breathable rather than a heavy occlusive, so it is an unlikely cause of breakouts. Very acne-prone skin can occasionally react to any film-former, but it is not a notable comedogenic flag.

Is Dimethiconol natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. Dimethiconol is a man-made silicone built in a lab, not something found in nature. Synthetic here just means it was engineered for smooth slip and a long-lasting conditioning film, not that it is unsafe.

What is Dimethiconol on an ingredient list (INCI)?

Dimethiconol is the INCI name printed on the label. It is a silicone, closely related to dimethicone but with reactive end groups that let it form a more substantive film. It usually appears in the middle of an ingredient list, among the other emollients and skin-feel agents.

Sunscreens with Dimethiconol

We rate 342 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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