Dimethicone is derived from silicone oil and is one of the ingredients that make up the epoxy family. Dimethicone comes from various viscosities, which one is 10% Dimethicone, a standard viscosity that provides excellent barrier properties while being non-porous. It is primarily used for its emulsifying, pliability, solublizing, and lubricating properties. I am going to list some of the benefits associated with the use of Dimethicone and other products formulated with the ingredient to help you determine if they are the right products for you.
My experience with Dimethicone and other emulsifiers was that the majority of them produced an excessive amount of lather when applied to my hair. The biggest complaint I have is that the excess moisture tends to wash out my hair really easily and creates a run in my hair after a few washes. It also tends to create quite a bit of static when shampooing. Most people do not enjoy using a product to achieve such undesirable results, however, there is one formula out there that does a nice job of reducing the amount of lather generated while providing long-lasting protection from the moisture.
Dimethicone is also used in many skin care products, such as anti-aging moisturizers, because of its water-in-oil emulsification ability. Water-in-oil emulsifiers help to lock moisture into the skin’s outer layers to lock out moisture. I have noticed that most anti-aging moisturizers contain the ingredient dimethicone. Skin care products with this ingredient tend to have an orange or lemon scent to them, but I have been using them for years and haven’t noticed a significant change in my skin’s smell or feel. These are benefits Dimethicone provides to those looking to reduce the look of wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles on the face.
There are some drawbacks to Dimethicone and that includes the fact that this ingredient tends to degrade quite quickly in solution. Therefore, it needs to be included in all cosmetic formulations and added by professionals during the blending process. If this ingredient is present in a formula without proper blending, it can cause separation which can result in product loss or contamination. The fragrance oils contained in the formulation may also be affected if dimethicone is not added during the blending process, therefore care should be taken to add this ingredient during the last few minutes of product application.
Another well-known oil emulsifier that has recently been introduced to the cosmetic arena is Hydroxy acids. They are commonly used in bleaching, odor removal and stain resistance. They are actually a family of organic chemicals that include glycolic acid, tartaric acid and monocaprin. Some companies include other organic ingredients in addition to hydroxy acids, so you are not left with just one compound. This family of compounds is widely used in many skin care products, especially emulsifiers.
Dimethicone and hydroxy acids are often combined to give water phase components which are absorbed best by the epidermis. In addition, they are great for making barrier emulsifiers and humectants. Humectants are also excellent for use in texturizing and masking, because they provide a film that locks in moisture. Most cationic emulsifiers in the water phase are not very effective unless they are paired with hydrophobic surfactants.
These ingredients are sometimes called humectants because they work best in aqueous solutions, such as henna products. Hydrophobic surfactants will not work with most hair products, but there are some exceptions. For example, some shampoos, conditioners and hair styling products contain humectant ingredients, which allows the products to deeply moisturize the scalp without clogging the pores. There are other chemical compounds which are sometimes included in these products, which are designed to add physical and chemical protection to the hair.
The best approach to determining the best cosmetic science formulator is to consult with a dermatologist. A qualified dermatologist will be able to identify which ingredients can be classified as formulators and which are best left as component ingredients. Formulators can be included in the formulation of many products, including shampoo and conditioner, making them important to the long-term health of the skin. Be sure to ask your dermatologist which products he or she recommends.