For your skin
A silicone that sits on your skin as an invisible, non-greasy shield. Reduces water loss, protects against irritants (think soap, friction, incontinence), and is FDA-recognised as a skin protectant from 1-30%. The reason your favourite primer feels silky and your barrier cream actually works under makeup.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
Long-chain silicone polymer that forms a breathable hydrophobic film on the stratum corneum, lowering transepidermal water loss and shielding skin from surfactant-driven irritation without occluding the follicle.
Why we tier this strong
5 cited papers across 2 countries. Multiple positive efficacy results plus regulatory backing. Our catalog highlights 5 cited papers as direct references, a curated sample from the broader body of published research that earns Dimethicone its Strong tier (15+ studies including multiple RCTs or a large longitudinal cohort). See our methodology for how we evaluate evidence.
Cited research
Beeckman D, Verhaeghe S, Defloor T, et al. A 3-in-1 perineal care washcloth impregnated with dimethicone 3% versus water and pH neutral soap to prevent and treat incontinence-associated dermatitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2011;38(6):627-634.
Saary J, Qureshi R, Palda V, et al. A systematic review of contact dermatitis treatment and prevention. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;53(5):845-855. (Barrier creams containing dimethicone prevent irritant contact dermatitis.)
FDA OTC Final Monograph, 21 CFR Part 347 — Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use; dimethicone listed at section 347.10 as a Category I active ingredient at 1-30%.
Zhai H, Leow YH, Maibach HI. A bioengineering study on the efficacy of a skin protectant lotion in preventing SLS-induced dermatitis. Skin Res Technol. 1998;4(3):145-148. (Indexed) Mu YH, Kapes M, Maibach HI. (2001) Bioengineering study on dimethicone-based skin protectant lotion vs. SLS irritation.
Fowler JF Jr. Efficacy of a skin-protective foam in the treatment of chronic hand dermatitis. Am J Contact Dermat. 2000;11(3):165-169. (Protective foam containing dimethicone and glycerin; 21 of 30 subjects (70%) improved over 6 weeks, topical corticosteroid use reduced in 53.6%.)
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.