What is a natural emollient?

Butters, oils, esters, lipids, and fatty acids are all considered emollients. These can
be either natural options such as shea butter or coconut oil, or synthetically derived
ones, such as mineral oil, explains Nussbaum.

What is emollient used for?

Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and
hydrate it. They cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture. Emollients are
often used to help manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions such as eczema,
psoriasis and ichthyosis.

Dimethicone is a type of silicone. It is a popular

ingredient in many cosmetics, such as skin and
hair care products, because it smooths over rough
surfaces and has a velvety texture. Dimethicone, also
known as polydimethylsiloxane, is a substance that comes from silicone.
Silicone comes from silica, which is a natural compound present in sand,
sandstone, granite, and quartz.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), also known as dimethylpolysiloxane or

dimethicone, belongs to a group of polymeric organosilicon compounds that are
commonly referred to as silicones. PDMS is the most widely used silicon-based
organic polymer, as its versatility and properties lead to many applications.

Products that can contain

dimethicone
People can find dimethicone on the label of many products, including:

 moisturizers
 sunscreens
 fake tanners
 shampoos and conditioners
  detangling products
 head lice removal products
 makeup, such as primers and foundation
 sexual lubricants

Benefits for skin and hair

Dimethicone has several properties that make it useful for skin and hair
products. It:

 Forms a barrier: Dimethicone sits on top of the skin and hair, forming a

temporary barrier. This means it provides some protection against
contact with irritants or allergens.
 Maintains moisture: By forming a barrier over the skin, dimethicone
also reduces the amount of water the skin loses.
 Improves texture: Dimethicone smooths surfaces by filling in crevices.
This includes large pores and fine lines. In hair products, dimethicone
coats the cuticle of the hair, making it feel smoother. Dimethicone also
makes the texture of products more “slippy,” allowing for easier
application.
 Gives a matte finish: Primers and moisturizers for oily skin often
contain dimethicone because it has a matte finish. Dimethicone also
helps to seal in moisture without the need for heavier ingredients, such
as oils and butters, which can be comedogenic (can block pores).

Alternatives to dimethicone
Alternatives to silicone-based products are available. These include silicone-
free shampoos, conditioners, and hair styling products. People can look for
“silicone free” on the label or read the ingredients list. Ingredients that end in “-
cone” or “-siloxane” are likely to be silicones.

It is fairly easy to replace silicones in hair products, as plant oils and butters
can also create a barrier around the hair follicle. They can keep moisture in,
improve shine, and unlike silicones, strengthen the hair.

In skin care and other products, replacing silicones can be more difficult.
There are not many substances that have the same combination of properties
as dimethicone. However, there are ingredients that can replicate one or more
of its benefits, such as:

 Humectants: Humectants pull moisture to the skin and trap it there,

increasing hydration. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are two natural
humectants that help moisturize the skin without the need for oils.
 Colloidal oatmeal: Made from ground oat grains, this emollient can
soften and smooth the skin. The FDA approved it as a skin protectant,
and a 2020 studyTrusted Source found that a 1% colloidal
oatmeal eczema cream significantly improved the skin’s pH, barrier
function, and hydration.
 Squalene: This is a fatty molecule that can come from plants or
animals. It moisturizes the skin and helps it retain moisture, but is also
lightweight and noncomedogenic, similar to dimethicone.
 Kaolin: This clay can absorbTrusted Source excess oil from the skin,
helping it stay matte throughout the day.