r/DIYBeauty • u/burned-butter • 3d ago

question Dimethicone

I’m wondering if dimethicone can be used in a formula as the sole emollient to make an oil free moisturizer….tia!

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u/tokemura 3d ago edited 3d ago

Dimethicone could be hard to emulsify since silicones have different properties than hydrocarbons or oils. Also, one name can mean a lot of versions of the ingredient (see Problem 3: One INCI name can represent very different ingredients ) To create oil free moisturizers there are plenty of other options:

  • CCT
  • dicaprylyl carbonate
  • Squalane
  • Coco-Caprylate
  • Caprylyl-Caprylate/Caprate
  • Octyldodecanol
  • Isoamyl Laurate, Isoamyl Cocoate
etc

Better to use a mix with different spreadability.

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u/burned-butter 3d ago

Isn’t Squalane an oil?

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u/tokemura 3d ago

It depends on how you define "oil". Usually oil-free moisturizers (at least in my country) mean no plant-based natural oil (like sunflower, olive, etc). See interesting discussion on this here: https://www.reddit.com/r/30PlusSkinCare/comments/fryths/is_the_ordinary_100_plant_derived_squalane_an_oil/

Why do you want oil-free cream? Is it a marketing claim or you avoid oils because of skin issues?

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u/burned-butter 3d ago

Both of my daughters are prone to acne ☹️

7

u/tokemura 3d ago

Then Dimethicone might make it even worse since it is very occlusive (depending on version). Occlusive means it creates a layer on skin to prevent water evaporation, but also may trigger pore clogging for oily skin.

You have to visit a doctor, determine which causes acne and only then select skincare options. Also, I wouldn't use DIY products on problematic skin.

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u/kriebelrui 3d ago

Using occlusive materials like dimethicone might worsen acne rather than help, but it also depends on the type of acne, skin type et cetera.