Dimethiconol

What Is It?
Dimethiconol is a silicone based polymer that resembles Dimethicone, except that molecules of Dimethiconol end with hydroxyl (-OH) groups. Dimethiconol derivatives that may be also be used in cosmetic products include Dimethiconol Arginine, Dimethiconol Beeswax, Dimethiconol Behenate, Dimethiconol Cysteine, Dimethiconol Meadowfoamate, Dimethiconol Methionine, Dimethiconol Panthenol, Dimethiconol Stearate, Dimethiconol/Silsesquioxane Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer and Acrylates/Dimethiconol Acrylate Copolymer.

In cosmetics and personal care products, Dimethiconol and its derivatives are used in the formulation of a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products including cosmetic creams and lotions, suntan products, bath soaps, lipstick, shampoo and hair care products. The most widely used ingredient in this group is Dimethiconol.

Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
The following functions have been reported for these ingredients.
Antifoaming agent -- Dimethiconol
Antistatic agent -- Dimethiconol/Silsesquioxane Copolymer
Film former - Dimethiconol/Silsesquioxane Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethiconol Acrylate Copolymer
Hair conditioning agents -- Dimethiconol Arginine, Dimethiconol Cysteine, Dimethiconol Methionine, Dimethiconol Panthenol, Dimethiconol/Silsesquioxane Copolymer
Hair fixative - Dimethiconol/Silsesquioxane Copolymer
Skin-conditioning agent -- emollient -- Dimethiconol, Dimethiconol Meadowfoamate
Skin-conditioning agent -- miscellaneous - Dimethiconol/Silsesquioxane Copolymer
Skin-conditioning agent -- occlusive -- Dimethiconol Beeswax, Dimethiconol Behenate, Dimethiconol Stearate
Viscosity increasing agent -- nonaqueous - Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer