Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a linear polydimethylsiloxane, a silicone polymer made of repeating dimethylsiloxane units capped with trimethylsilyl groups. It is made from silicon metal and methyl chloride via dimethyldichlorosilane, which is hydrolyzed and polymerized to the target chain length. Cosmetic brands buy it as clear fluids sold by viscosity, from about 5 to over 100,000 cSt, for slip, spreadability and water resistance in skin care, makeup, hair care and OTC skin protectants.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Light, fast-spreading fluids used in serums, sprays and makeup.
Heavier fluids for creams, hair serums and barrier products; 350 cSt is a common general-purpose grade.
Very high molecular weight dimethicone gum, usually sold pre-dissolved in a lighter silicone or hydrocarbon.
Dimethicone pre-emulsified in water for rinse-off hair care and easier cold processing.
Dimethicone meeting the NF monograph, used when it is the active in an OTC skin protectant.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store dimethicone sealed at room temperature in its original containers, away from contamination. It is chemically inert and does not oxidize under normal storage. Shelf life is set by the supplier, typically several years, with a retest of viscosity and appearance to extend it.
Record viscosity, volatile content and cyclic siloxane results for each lot. Lots of the same nominal viscosity can differ slightly in feel, so keep a retained sample of an approved lot for comparison.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 347.10 lists dimethicone at 1 to 30 percent as a skin protectant active ingredient in the OTC skin protectant monograph.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 173.340 permits dimethylpolysiloxane as a defoaming agent in food processing, generally at up to 10 parts per million in food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database says a natural health product declaring dimethicone as a non-medicinal ingredient at less than 1% is an NHP; at 1% or more and contributing to the claim, it is a drug.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Englewood, CO
Sells it as Dimethisil DM-5
US specialty chemicals company whose personal care unit makes surfactants, emollient esters and silicones for shampoos, cleansers and skin care, alongside fuel and industrial chemistries.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include low-viscosity fluids (5-100 cSt), medium and high-viscosity fluids (350-60,000 cSt), gums and blends, emulsions and uSP / NF grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity, viscosity, volatile content, cyclic siloxane content (D4, D5, D6), refractive index and specific gravity and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store dimethicone sealed at room temperature in its original containers, away from contamination. It is chemically inert and does not oxidize under normal storage. Shelf life is set by the supplier, typically several years, with a retest of viscosity and appearance to extend it.
21 CFR 347.10 lists dimethicone at 1 to 30 percent as a skin protectant active ingredient in the OTC skin protectant monograph. 21 CFR 173.340 permits dimethylpolysiloxane as a defoaming agent in food processing, generally at up to 10 parts per million in food. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database says a natural health product declaring dimethicone as a non-medicinal ingredient at less than 1% is an NHP; at 1% or more and contributing to the claim, it is a drug.
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