Dimethicone — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

12/03/2017 / By Michelle Simmons

Dimethicone, also known as polydimethylsiloxane, is a silicone-based polymer that is most commonly used as an ingredient in cosmetic products. It works as an anti-foaming agent, skin-conditioning agent, skin protectant, and skin and hair conditioner. Dimethicone stops water loss as it creates a hydrating barrier on the skin. Similar to other silicones, it is easily spreadable and creates a subtle gloss when applied to the skin.

List of known side effects

There are several known side effects of dimethicone to humans. One of these is that it could lead to more breakouts and blackheads on the skin as it traps everything beneath it, such as bacteria, sebum, and impurities. Moreover, its coating action inhibits the skin from doing its normal functions, such as sweating, temperature regulating, and shedding off dead skin cells. Another side effect of dimethicone is it can increase skin irritation and cause eye irritation in prolonged exposures and may cause allergic reaction to those with sensitive skin. For its environmental consequences, it is considered harmful for the environment because it is a non-biodegradable chemical.

Body systems affected by dimethicone

The body systems adversely affected by dimethicone are the integumentary and ocular systems.

Items that can contain dimethicone

Dimethicone can be present in personal care and cosmetic products in cream, ointment, lotions, pad, stick, spray, gel, or jelly formulations. It can be found in cosmetic products under the brand names of Aloe Vesta Daily Moisturizer, Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion, Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion, Aveeno Baby Essential Daily Care, Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream, Aveeno Bathtime Solutions Gift Set, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Aveeno Intense Relief Overnight Cream, Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion, Baza Cleanse & Protect, Cavilon Durable Barrier, Cavilon Emollient, Cavilon Foot Emollient, and Cavilon One-Step Skin Care.

How to avoid dimethicone

A way to avoid dimethicone is to read the ingredients list of personal care and skin care products and refrain from using those that contain dimethicone and any other silicone products.

Where to learn more

Summary

Dimethicone, also referred to as polydimethylsiloxane, is a polymer based on silicone that is used in personal care products as an anti-foaming agent, skin-conditioning agent, skin protectant, and skin and hair conditioner.

Dimethicone can cause more breakouts and blackheads on the skin.

Dimethicone can cause eye and skin irritations.

Dimethicone can prevent the skin from functioning normally as it stops sweating, temperature regulating, and shedding off dead skin cells.

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