Dimethicone

Dimethicone (CAS 9006-65-9) is a polydimethylsiloxane fluid. Also marketed as Dimethicone 350; food-contact additive E1049.

Where is Dimethicone used?

• Personal care: primary slip and conditioning agent in hair care, skin creams and color cosmetics
• Coatings and release agents: control of surface tension and foam prevention in industrial paint systems and polymer processing lines
• Textile and leather finishing: softness, water repellency and surface uniformity in finishing baths
• Rubber compounding and tire manufacturing: processing lubricant and mold release component that reduces surface friction during vulcanization
• It provides a smooth skin feel without occlusive heaviness.
• Added to the oil phase of formulations before emulsification; can be incorporated during heating of the oil phase to 70-80°C without degradation.
• Used as a damping fluid in heat transfer systems and shock absorbers for high-temperature applications.
• 5 cSt dimethicone can eliminate the whitening or 'soaping' effect seen in W/O emulsions.
• Forms a water-repellent layer in car polish and furniture polish formulations, preventing dust adhesion and surface stains.

Good to know: The 350 cSt variant is the most commercially traded specification. Grades conforming to USP, BP and Ph. Eur. standards are available for pharmaceutical and personal care applications.

Formulation notes

• Not miscible with water but generally compatible with many non-polar oils, waxes, and polymers.
• At low dosage, improves feel and spreadability; at higher dosage, provides a more protective, smoothing and conditioning effect.
• Dimethicone provides a silky cushion and substantive film, cyclopentasiloxane provides light, dry, fast-spreading slip, and phenyl trimethicone provides a light feel with high gloss.

Typical specification

• Dimethicone 100 cSt has a kinematic viscosity of 100 cSt.
• Soluble in benzene; partially soluble in toluene, xylene, ethyl ether, butanol, and ethyl alcohol; slightly soluble in acetone; insoluble in paraffin oil, vegetable oil, and water.

Regulatory status

• The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that dimethicone and related polymers are safe as used in cosmetic formulations.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protected from direct light and heat sources, and keep the container tightly closed after use.
• Typically supplied in drums, totes, and IBCs.

Frequently asked questions about Dimethicone

In which industrial processes is dimethicone used as an antifoam additive?

It is used as a high-performance antifoam additive in wastewater treatment plants and industrial chemical reactors.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.