Ingredient guide · D

Dimethicone

Dimethicone is a lightweight, silky silicone ingredient commonly used in UK skincare, primers, foundations and hair products to create a smooth, soft feel and help products glide on effortlessly.

Dimethicone — Dimethicone is a synthetic silicone polymer derived from silica, which is originally ob… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics and skincare, dimethicone forms a breathable, flexible film on the surface of skin or hair that locks in moisture, reduces water loss and gives a velvety, blurred finish. It improves the spreadability of creams, serums and colour cosmetics while protecting the skin from environmental irritants and helping to minimise the appearance of fine lines and pores without clogging them.

Key benefits

  • Creates a silky, smooth texture on skin and hair
  • Helps lock in moisture and reduce dryness
  • Improves product spreadability and even application
  • Gives a soft-focus, blurred finish to minimise fine lines
  • Protects hair from heat and friction during styling
  • Reduces frizz and adds shine to hair

Best for

dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, combination skin

Where it comes from

Dimethicone is a synthetic silicone polymer derived from silica, which is originally obtained from quartz sand, a naturally abundant mineral.

Products with Dimethicone

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Dimethicone than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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