Dimethicone 1000

CAS Number:

63148-62-9  or 9006-65-9 . (Note: Dimethicone is a polymer with multiple CAS numbers.)

Chemical / IUPAC Name:

Poly(oxy(dimethylsilylene)), α-(trimethylsilyl)-ω-methyl-

INCI Name:

Dimethicone

EC Number:

Not available (polymer)

Molecular Formula:

 (C2H6OSi)n

Other Names:

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Dimethylpolysiloxane, Methyl polysiloxane, Silicone oil 1000 cSt

Uses:

Dimethicone 1000 is a medium-to-high viscosity, linear, non-reactive polydimethylsiloxane fluid . Its viscosity of 1000 centistokes offers a balance between spreadability and substantive feel, making it a versatile ingredient in personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

· Cosmetics & Personal Care: Widely used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent in creams, lotions, and make-up foundations . It provides a smooth, silky, non-greasy feel, improves spreadability, and forms a protective, water-repellent barrier on the skin that still allows it to breathe .

· Hair Care: Used in shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, and mousses as a conditioning agent . It provides excellent softness, detangling, and shine, while reducing stickiness and frizz .

· Sun Care: Incorporated into sunscreens to improve water resistance and optimize skin feel .

· Pharmaceuticals: Functions as a lubricant, glidant, and barrier agent in topical ointments, creams, and other formulations . It is also used as an antifoaming agent .

· Industrial Applications: Serves as a release agent, lubricant, and antifoaming agent in various industrial processes .

Origin

Dimethicone 1000 is a synthetic polymer derived from silica (sand/quartz). It is manufactured through the hydrolysis and polymerization of dimethyldichlorosilane.

What does Dimethicone 1000 do in a formulation?

• Emollient / Skin Conditioning Agent: Softens and smooths the skin without a greasy feel, leaving a silky after-feel .
• Hair Conditioning Agent: Provides slip, detangling, softness, and shine, reducing frizz and improving manageability .
• Film Former / Barrier Agent: Creates a protective, water-repellent yet breathable barrier on skin and hair .
• Spreadability Enhancer: Reduces tackiness and improves the application and rub-out of cosmetic products .
• Lubricant: Reduces friction in both personal care and pharmaceutical applications .
• Antifoaming Agent: Reduces surface tension to break down gas bubbles in pharmaceutical and industrial applications .

Safety Profile (Critical):

· General Hazard Classification: Considered non-toxic, non-irritating, and physiologically harmless . It is not classified as a dangerous substance for transport . Some sources list it with hazard code Xi (Irritant) and R-phrases 36/37/38 (Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin) in its concentrated form .

· Safety Assessment: Recognized as safe and inert for topical use by major regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA . The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) considers it safe for use in cosmetics .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing to skin . No evidence of skin irritation or sensitization . May cause transient eye irritation upon direct contact .

· Toxicity: Very low acute toxicity. Extensive studies in rats, rabbits, and dogs show no significant adverse effects even at high doses .

· Biocompatibility: It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and well-tolerated by sensitive skin .

· Stability: Extremely stable with high oxidation resistance and thermal stability .

· Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers . Maximum temperature allowed during storage and transport: 50°C .

· Shelf Life: Typically 24 months when stored properly in original packaging .

· Regulatory Status: Compliant with various retailer clean beauty standards (e.g., Sephora, Credo, Ulta) . Meets pharmacopoeia standards (USP, EP) for pharmaceutical grades .

Technical profile: