Is Dimethicone Comedogenic? Silicone Safety Guide

Silicones are one of the most debated ingredients in skincare. You will find them in primers, moisturizers, serums, and countless other products. Dimethicone is the most common silicone, and if you have acne-prone skin, you have probably wondered: is dimethicone comedogenic?

The answer may surprise you. Dimethicone has a comedogenic rating of 1, making it unlikely to clog pores for most people. However, the relationship between silicones and acne is more nuanced than a simple rating suggests.

What is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is a type of silicone, specifically a polymer made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It belongs to a family of ingredients called siloxanes or polysiloxanes.

In skincare, dimethicone serves several purposes:

• Occlusive: Forms a breathable barrier that prevents water loss
• Emollient: Smooths and softens skin texture
• Primer: Creates a smooth base for makeup
• Slip agent: Helps products spread easily
• Filler: Temporarily blurs fine lines and pores

Common Names for Dimethicone

You might see dimethicone listed under various names:

• Dimethicone
• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
• Dimethicone copolyol
• Dimethicone crosspolymer
• Cyclomethicone
• Cyclopentasiloxane

Dimethicone Comedogenic Rating

Rating	Meaning
0	Will not clog pores
1	Very low likelihood
2	Moderately low
3	Moderate
4	Fairly high
5	High likelihood

Dimethicone has a comedogenic rating of 1, placing it in the "very low likelihood" category for pore-clogging.

Other Silicones and Their Ratings

Silicone	Comedogenic Rating	Common Uses
Dimethicone	1	Moisturizers, primers
Cyclomethicone	0	Lightweight products, hair care
Cyclopentasiloxane	0	Serums, primers
Dimethicone crosspolymer	1	Blurring primers
Phenyl trimethicone	1	Hair shine, skincare
Simethicone	0	Pharmaceutical uses

Most silicones used in skincare have very low comedogenic ratings.

Why the Controversy Around Silicones?

Despite their low comedogenic ratings, silicones remain controversial. Here is why:

The "Suffocating" Myth

A common belief is that silicones "suffocate" the skin by creating an impenetrable barrier. This is not accurate. Dimethicone forms a semi-permeable barrier that:

• Allows water vapor to pass through
• Allows oxygen exchange
• Prevents excessive moisture loss
• Does not block skin function

Concerns About Buildup

Some people worry that silicones build up on the skin over time. In reality:

• Water-soluble silicones rinse away easily
• Non-water-soluble silicones can be removed with oil-based or surfactant cleansers
• Proper cleansing prevents any buildup issues

Individual Reactions

While silicones are non-comedogenic for most people, some individuals do react to them. This is usually:

• A sensitivity rather than pore-clogging
• Related to other ingredients in the product
• Due to improper cleansing leading to buildup

Benefits of Dimethicone for Skin

1. Protects Skin Barrier

Dimethicone acts as an occlusive, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by up to 30%. This is valuable for:

• Dry or damaged skin
• Skin recovering from acne treatments
• Cold or dry weather protection

2. Smooth Application

Products with dimethicone glide on smoothly without tugging or pulling at the skin.

3. Reduces Irritation

Dimethicone is so non-irritating that it is used in:

• Diaper rash creams
• Medical wound care
• Scar treatment sheets
• Products for sensitive skin

4. Temporary Smoothing Effect

Blurring primers with dimethicone can temporarily minimize the appearance of:

• Fine lines
• Large pores
• Uneven texture

5. Stable and Safe

Dimethicone is:

• Chemically inert (does not react with other ingredients)
• Non-sensitizing for most people
• Does not break down into harmful substances
• Has decades of safe use history

When Silicones Might Cause Problems

Despite their safety profile, there are situations where silicones might not work for you:

Poor Cleansing Routine

If you use silicone-heavy products but do not cleanse thoroughly, residue can accumulate. This residue can:

• Trap other pore-clogging ingredients
• Prevent beneficial ingredients from absorbing
• Create a dull appearance

Solution: Use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water first, followed by a water-based cleanser (double cleansing).

Comedogenic Formulas

The product containing dimethicone may have other comedogenic ingredients. Common culprits in silicone products:

• Coconut oil or derivatives
• Isopropyl myristate
• Heavy waxes

Solution: Check the full ingredient list, not just the silicones.

True Sensitivity

Rarely, some people have genuine sensitivity to silicones. Signs include:

• Redness or irritation where applied
• Itching
• Small bumps (not typical acne)

This is different from comedogenic reactions and is relatively uncommon.

Silicones and Fungal Acne

If you have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), silicones are generally considered safe:

• Silicones are not a food source for Malassezia yeast
• They do not promote fungal growth
• Most silicones are fungal acne safe

However, some silicones may trap other ingredients that feed fungal acne, so product selection still matters.

How to Use Silicone Products Safely

For Acne-Prone Skin

1. Double cleanse: Use an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser
2. Choose wisely: Select silicone products that are otherwise non-comedogenic
3. Do not layer excessively: Using too many silicone products can feel heavy
4. Patch test: Test new products before full-face application

When to Apply in Your Routine

• Serums with silicone: After water-based serums
• Silicone moisturizers: As your last skincare step
• Primers: After skincare, before makeup

Dimethicone vs. Silicone-Free Products

Aspect	Dimethicone Products	Silicone-Free Products
Feel	Silky, smooth	Varies widely
Occlusion	Moderate	Less or different occlusives
Makeup base	Excellent	Depends on formula
Absorption	May slow absorption	Usually better absorption
Cleansing needs	Double cleansing recommended	Standard cleansing often sufficient
Irritation potential	Very low	Depends on alternatives used

Neither is inherently better. The choice depends on your preferences, skin type, and other products in your routine.

Silicone Alternatives

If you prefer to avoid silicones, here are some alternatives:

Function	Silicone-Free Alternatives
Occlusive	Squalane, shea butter, petrolatum
Smoothing	Natural oils, certain esters
Primer	Water-based primers, hydrating primers
Slip	Glycerin, aloe, hyaluronic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dimethicone clog pores?

For most people, no. With a comedogenic rating of 1, dimethicone is considered non-comedogenic. However, poor cleansing or other ingredients in the formula can cause issues.

Can I use silicones with retinol?

Yes. Silicone-based products can actually help buffer the irritation from retinol by forming a protective layer.

Do silicones prevent other products from absorbing?

Apply water-based products before silicone-heavy products. Once silicones are on your skin, they can slow the absorption of products applied afterward.

Are silicones bad for the environment?

Some silicones (like D4 and D5 cyclomethicones) have environmental concerns. Dimethicone is considered more environmentally stable. Many brands are reformulating to address these concerns.

How do I know if silicone is causing my breakouts?

Eliminate all silicone products for 4-8 weeks. If skin clears, gradually reintroduce them one at a time to identify if silicone is truly the issue.

Should I avoid all silicones if one product broke me out?

Not necessarily. The breakout may have been caused by other ingredients. Try a different silicone product with a simpler formula.

The Bottom Line

Dimethicone and most other skincare silicones have very low comedogenic ratings and are safe for acne-prone skin. The widespread fear of silicones is largely unfounded for most people.

If you enjoy the smooth feel and protective benefits of silicone products, there is no scientific reason to avoid them. The key is proper cleansing and choosing products where the overall formula is non-comedogenic.

If you have tried everything and still suspect silicones are causing issues, eliminating them is a valid experiment. Just remember that the problem may be other ingredients, cleansing habits, or individual sensitivity rather than silicones themselves.

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Curious about the silicones and other ingredients in your products? Use SCRNE to scan any ingredient list and get instant information about each ingredient, including comedogenic ratings and safety profiles.

Sources

1. Johnson, W., et al. "Safety Assessment of Cyclomethicone, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, and Cycloheptasiloxane." International Journal of Toxicology, vol. 30, no. 6_suppl, 2011, pp. 149S-227S. PubMed

2. Draelos, Z. D. "Cosmetics and Dermatologic Problems and Solutions." CRC Press, 3rd Edition, 2011.

3. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. "Safety Assessment of Dimethicone, Methicone, and Substituted-Methicone Polymers as Used in Cosmetics." CIR Expert Panel

4. DiNardo, J. C. "Is mineral oil comedogenic?" Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 4, no. 1, 2005, pp. 2-3. PubMed

5. Fluhr, J. W., et al. "Comparative study of five instruments measuring stratum corneum hydration." Skin Research and Technology, vol. 5, no. 3, 1999, pp. 161-170.