Are Dimethicones Bad For Skin

This post may incorporate affiliate links, which ways that if you click on the affiliate link and buy an item, I'll receive commissions.

Practice you lot desire to make sure you lot are using toxic-free makeup and skin intendance products? So do I. 1 of the most controversial ingredients I have seen in my career as a consumer product researcher and non-toxic consultant is dimethicone. In fact, I accept been researching it for years now because there is a lot of negative information almost it on the Internet. For example, some say that information technology causes acne considering it coats the skin and prevents it from animate. Others fifty-fifty say that it causes endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity. In this postal service, yous will learn my findings about dimethicone safety and so you lot can make informed and practical decisions.

Does Dimethicone Belong in Toxin-Free Makeup? A photo of skin care products featuring dimethicone safety.

How I do research

To begin with, I codify my opinions past reading scientific studies on the subject, non merely hear-say. I believe it is important to pass forth only accurate data, then I turn to scientific and medical sources. Therefore, when you hear scary claims about a product or an ingredient, I encourage y'all to inquire for the sources of their information.

I say this because a lot of bloggers just repeat what they read on the Internet. Once something is written, information technology can take on a life of its own. Simply before I publish something, I e'er do my best to rails down the original sources of information, so I am not merely repeating something that may non be true. It takes a lot more time to practise things this way, just it is my obsession to observe the truth. But, I digress.

Here is what I take learned about this widely used ingredient.

What is dimethicone?

First, its chemical proper noun is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and information technology is also known merely as silicone oil.

2d, the EWG Pare Deep database rates information technology i-iii depending on the employ (used to be 3) on a scale from i to x (with 10 equally most toxic) and indicates that prophylactic data is limited. Further, it does not list any concerns associated with endocrine disruption or reproductive toxicity. However, while the Skin Deep database is the best tool we as consumers have for quick inquiry, it has its limitations. So, I always endeavor to read the original enquiry that the EWG uses to assign a rating to an ingredient.

Third, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Console reviewed dimethicone safety for apply in cosmetics. Equally a effect, the panel compiled all available information on dimethicone from over 100 independent studies. Although I do non have the panel's conclusions as the last give-and-take on safety, their assessments are helpful, if only to provide some context.

Is dimethicone bad for skin?

Kickoff of all, in skin irritability tests that the CIR refers to in its report, the scientist used this ingredient in the undiluted form. In contrast, this would never happen with skin sensitizers such as formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Simply despite its undiluted class, the scientists did not notice it to exist an allergen in brute studies. Also, after tests on 83 humans at 5% concentration, no skin reactions occurred.

In addition, the American Lodge of Contact Dermatitis does NOT include it on its listing of core allergens.

Moreover, I found two studies (yous can admission them hither and here) that talk about its effectiveness in the treatment of hand contact dermatitis and prevention of contact dermatitis caused by SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).

Does information technology cause any health problems?

For starters, I accept read a comprehensive write up on dimethicone prophylactic in Ullmann'southward Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemical science. The publication points out that information technology is a well-researched substance because of its broad applications. Thus, the 708-page manuscript states that information technology showed no health furnishings, even when scientists administered it orally in big doses.

Furthermore, the CIR Proficient Panel reports that the peel does not absorb dimethicone because of its big molecular weight. In addition, the European Union Chemicals Agency database reports no health effects.

On the other hand, there is some limited evidence regarding negative effects with inhalation exposure of aerosol formulation. So, I practise non recommend this ingredient in spraying products.

Is dimethicone a carcinogen?

According to the CIR report, there are no links to cancer even when animals ate this ingredient in big doses. Additionally, the Earth Health Organization reports the lack of carcinogenicity evidence in long-term feeding studies in rats at alternating doses up to 1500 mg/kg per day or upwardly to 1875 mg/kg per day (source).

Does it crusade acne?

Apparently, there are claims on the Internet that it creates an unbreathable layer on the skin, which may make the pare dry out and fifty-fifty cause acne. So, finding no concerning data on dimethicone safety, I was set to try toxin-costless makeup with it.

As a issue, I take been using Crunchi's non-toxic liquid foundation for over a yr now and take non had whatsoever acne problems. On the reverse, I accept found that this ingredient helps the foundation to spread evenly, conceal wrinkles, and in some cases fifty-fifty create a dewy event.

Is dimethicone an endocrine disruptor?

Again, per the CIR study, there are no links to endocrine disruption. And I accept non found any medical studies outside of the study to link dimethicone to hormone disruption.

In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO) allows its use in nutrient as an anticaking and antifoaming amanuensis (source). It does not mean, though, that I recommend eating nutrient with it or any other processed food. It merely ways that information technology is a nutrient-grade ingredient.

Is dimethicone toxic for the surround?

Obviously, I was concerned near the effects of this widely used ingredient on the environs.

For example, Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry explains that it is mostly non-biodegradable only is non harmful to aquatic life (plankton, crustacea, mussels, fish). Even silicone fluid administered with nutrient showed no event on fish. As well, the symbiosis of microorganisms such as bacteria and algae has not been disturbed by this ingredient dissolved in h2o. The European Wedlock Chemicals Agency database also cites no sick effects on aquatic life, confirming dimethicone safety for the environment.

While information technology is non-biodegradable, it is eliminated from sewage water because it is absorbed by sewage sludge. The reason information technology ends up in the oceans is that sewage sludge is often dumped into the oceans.

Are polydimethylsiloxanes safety for the environment?

Polydimethylsiloxanes are a grouping of chemicals dimethicone belongs to. There are reports that they exhibited toxic effects on fish. However, the polydimethylsiloxanes at event were emulsifiers and were at concentrations up to 10,000 ppm. So, it is non believed that dimethicone every bit used in cosmetics is harmful to the environment.

And the skilful news is that polydimethylsiloxanes are not-bioaccumulative. It means that equally shortly as the fish were transferred out of the surroundings with polydimethylsiloxanes, they were rapidly eliminated from the fish tissue.

In add-on, polydimethylsiloxanes tin be degraded and absorbed by the environs if a non-biological step is taken initially such as burning. You tin read more than about that here.

What are other forms of silicone?

In add-on to dimethicone, there are other types of silicone, such every bit phenyl trimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, and PEG-10 dimethicone.

Is phenyl trimethicone safe?

This white silicone fluid is highly water resistant and past trapping water in pare or hair, information technology adds flexibility. So, information technology works equally a hair and skin-conditioning agent, and an antifoaming amanuensis. Thus, the EWG Peel Deep database rates it ane out of 10 (with 10 as most toxic) but indicates limited safety data.

Furthermore, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Proficient Panel considers phenyl trimethicone condom for utilize in cosmetics and personal care products. In fact, the panel reviewed acute oral data showing that the ingredient was relatively non-toxic. Additionally, it reviewed acute and subchronic dermal studies that also showed its non-toxic nature.

Specifically, phenyl trimethicone is nonmutagenic, nonirritating to the skin and eyes, and is not a sensitizer to humans. Annotation also that the tested doses were larger than the concentrations used in cosmetics and personal care products. This fact should provide even more peace of mind. Moreover, because the UV spectrum indicated only weak absorbance at 327 nm, the console ended that it is non a phototoxicant or a photosensitizer (source).

Finally, just equally in the example with dimethicone safety, the European Chemicals Agency has classified no hazards based on the notifications submitted by companies. Every bit a result, the general provisions of the Cosmetic Regulation of the European Wedlock allow the utilise of phenyl trimethicone in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe.

Is cyclopentasiloxane rubber?

Dissimilar dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane raises some concerns, in my opinion. You can read more virtually this ingredient in my post virtually cyclopentasiloxane safety. My personal recommendation is to reduce your usage of products with it. For instance, one of such products is Old Spice antiperspirant & deodorant.

Is PEG-10 dimethicone toxic?

To begin with, PEG-ten dimethicone is a synthetic polymer that consists of PEG (polyethylene glycol) and dimethicone. Due to the presence of PEG, it is an ethoxylated ingredient made through the process of ethoxylation. As a outcome, it may contain potentially toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. Thus, the EWG Pare Deep database rates it 5-8 with robust safety information and describes it as a carcinogen.

Therefore, I do not recommend products with ethoxylated ingredients. Namely, beware of such ingredients as PEGs, polysorbates, and those whose names cease with "-eth" (e.g., Laureth). For case, Bare Minerals foundation uses PEG-10 dimethicone in their formulation. To read almost a safe liquid foundation with dimethicone, visit my postal service The Non-Toxic Foundation that Works So Well.

Conclusion about dimethicone prophylactic in toxin-free makeup

To sum up, I have non constitute whatever evidence that this cosmetic ingredient is toxic when applied on the peel. Thus, I believe it is okay to utilise information technology in toxin-free makeup, skin care, and personal intendance products. I do not think it can increment the risks of allergic contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, skin irritation, cancer, and endocrine disruption.

Finally, delight visit my shop to find the perfect peel care, clothing, and household products for you. Feel free to book a consultation with me to seek help with healthy living. Also, consider joining the Savvy Consumer Circle, a service for people who want to go deeper with non-toxic salubrious living.

Your Superpower To Read Ingredients

Imagine looking at the ingredients of any shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or cream and in a matter of seconds being able to make up one's mind if it is safe to apply!

With this easy unprecendented method, you will be able to spot potentially harmful personal care or skincare products that may crusade irritation, an allergic reaction, or increase the adventure of endocrine disruption or cancer.

Success! Now check your email inbox and spam to confirm your email address.