Dimethicone Silicone Fluid Supplier | Multiple Viscosity Grades

Dimethicone at a Glance

Dimethicone is a clear, colorless organosilicon polymer widely used as a sensory modifier, emollient, conditioning agent, film former, lubricant and foam-control ingredient. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS or dimethyl silicone fluid.

Unlike a conventional small molecule, Dimethicone is a family of linear siloxane polymers with different chain lengths. Its molecular weight, viscosity, volatility, spreadability and film-forming performance therefore depend on the selected grade.

We supply Dimethicone in multiple viscosity grades for personal care, pharmaceutical, formulation and industrial applications. Final viscosity, purity, cyclic-siloxane limits, packaging and regulatory documentation are confirmed against the applicable specification and Certificate of Analysis.

• INCI name: Dimethicone

• Chemical name: Polydimethylsiloxane

• Abbreviation: PDMS

• Common CAS number: 9006-65-9

• Alternative CAS used for some grades: 63148-62-9

• Chemical type: Organosilicon polymer

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

• Odor: Essentially odorless

• Water solubility: Insoluble

• Typical commercial form: Silicone fluid

• Primary role: Specialty functional ingredient

What Is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone consists primarily of repeating dimethylsiloxane units with a silicon-oxygen backbone and methyl side groups. A simplified repeat unit may be written as:

[–Si(CH₃)₂–O–]ₙ

Because “n” varies, Dimethicone does not have one fixed molecular weight. Higher polymer chain length generally produces higher viscosity, slower spreading and a more persistent surface film.

Commercial Dimethicone can range from a very light, mobile fluid to an extremely viscous silicone gum. Buyers should therefore never specify only the INCI name or CAS number; viscosity and product form are essential purchasing information.

Dimethicone Reference Properties

These are general characteristics rather than contractual specifications. The Technical Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis for the selected viscosity grade take precedence.

How to Select Dimethicone by Viscosity

Viscosity is the most important variable when selecting a Dimethicone grade. It affects spreading speed, lubricity, cushion, film persistence, gloss and manufacturing behavior.

These ranges describe general trends. Sensory performance also depends on concentration, emulsifier, oil phase, powder loading and other formulation ingredients.

Why 350 cSt Dimethicone Is Commonly Selected

Dimethicone 350 cSt is a widely used medium-viscosity grade because it offers a practical balance between spreadability and film persistence.

It can provide:

• Smooth application

• Reduced tack and drag

• Improved slip

• Soft after-feel

• Moderate gloss

• Water repellency

• Reduced whitening during cream rub-in

• Improved hair conditioning and manageability

• Easier pumping than very high-viscosity grades

It is not automatically the best grade for every formula. Lightweight serums may require lower viscosity, while richer hair treatments or protective films may benefit from higher viscosity.

Understanding cSt, cP and mPa·s

Dimethicone viscosity may be reported in centistokes, centipoise or millipascal-seconds.

• cSt measures kinematic viscosity.

• cP measures dynamic viscosity.

• mPa·s is numerically equivalent to cP.

• Dynamic viscosity is related to kinematic viscosity through the fluid density.

Because Dimethicone density varies by grade, a value in cSt should not be copied directly into a cP specification without confirming the measurement basis.

The test temperature must also be stated. Dimethicone viscosity is commonly measured at 25°C, but other temperatures may be used.

Typical Dimethicone Quality Parameters

For cosmetic purchasing, the specification should clearly distinguish between a pure Dimethicone fluid and a formulation containing Dimethicone.

Pure Dimethicone, Emulsion, Blend or Crosspolymer?

Pure Dimethicone Fluid

Pure Dimethicone fluid is normally a clear, water-insoluble silicone liquid with a defined viscosity. It is commonly supplied at or near 100% active content.

This is the standard form used when formulators want direct control over the silicone level and oil-phase composition.

Dimethicone Emulsion

A Dimethicone emulsion contains silicone droplets dispersed in water with an emulsifier or stabilizing system.

It may be easier to add to water-based products, but its active Dimethicone content is lower than 100%. Emulsion type, particle size, surfactant system and preservation must be evaluated.

Dimethicone Gum Blend

A gum blend contains very high-molecular-weight Dimethicone or related silicone gum dispersed in a lower-viscosity carrier.

It can provide stronger conditioning, film formation, substantivity and hair manageability than a standard medium-viscosity fluid.

Dimethiconol

Dimethiconol is a hydroxyl-terminated silicone polymer with a different INCI identity. It may be supplied as a fluid, gum or dispersion and should not automatically be substituted for Dimethicone.

Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a crosslinked silicone elastomer. It can provide powdery texture, oil absorption, thickening and a soft-focus sensory effect.

It is structurally and functionally different from linear Dimethicone fluid.

Simethicone

Simethicone generally consists of polydimethylsiloxane combined with finely divided silica. It is used in antifoaming applications and certain pharmaceutical products.

Dimethicone and Simethicone are related but are not interchangeable names.

Dimethicone Benefits in Formulation

Dimethicone is valued because it can modify both application feel and surface performance.

Depending on viscosity and concentration, it may provide:

• Slip and lubricity

• Improved spreadability

• Reduced tackiness

• Softer skin feel

• Hair conditioning

• Easier wet and dry combing

• Frizz control

• Gloss enhancement

• Water repellency

• Protective film formation

• Pigment wetting and dispersion support

• Reduced cream whitening during application

• Foam control

• Release and surface lubrication

Performance must be confirmed in the final formulation because interaction with oils, waxes, surfactants, powders and polymers can significantly change the result.

Dimethicone Applications

Dimethicone is used in personal care and industrial formulations when controlled slip, conditioning, water resistance, surface modification or foam management is required.

Skin Care

In creams, lotions, serums and balms, Dimethicone can improve spreadability, reduce tack and leave a smooth surface feel.

Potential applications include:

• Facial moisturizers

• Body lotions

• Hand creams

• Barrier creams

• Facial serums

• Eye-area products

• Shaving products

• After-sun formulations

• Hand and foot care

The selected viscosity influences whether the formula feels light and fast spreading or rich and protective.

Hair Care

Dimethicone can deposit a lubricating film on the hair surface, improving smoothness, combability, shine and manageability.

Typical products include:

• Rinse-off conditioners

• Leave-in conditioners

• Hair serums

• Anti-frizz products

• Heat-styling products

• Hair masks

• Shine sprays

• Split-end treatments

Higher-viscosity Dimethicone can provide stronger substantivity but may require careful emulsification or dispersion to avoid uneven deposition.

Color Cosmetics

Dimethicone improves slip, pigment distribution, water resistance and sensory elegance in color-cosmetic formulations.

Applications include:

• Foundations

• Primers

• Concealers

• Lip products

• Cream blushes

• Mascaras

• Eye products

• Long-wear makeup

• Pressed and loose powder binders

Refractive index, viscosity and compatibility with pigments and other oils should be evaluated during formulation development.

Sun Care

In sunscreen formulations, Dimethicone may improve spreading, reduce tack, support water resistance and enhance the uniformity of the applied film.

Use of Dimethicone does not itself establish an SPF or water-resistance claim. Finished products require appropriate performance and regulatory testing.

Antiperspirants and Deodorants

Low- and medium-viscosity grades may provide spreading, reduced greasiness and improved sensory properties in sticks, roll-ons, creams and anhydrous systems.

Compatibility with antiperspirant salts, waxes and volatile carriers should be confirmed.

Pharmaceutical and Skin-Protectant Products

Appropriately qualified Dimethicone may be used as a pharmaceutical excipient or active skin-protectant ingredient in specific markets.

Pharmaceutical use requires the correct grade, pharmacopoeial specification, manufacturing controls and regulatory documentation. Cosmetic-grade material must not automatically be represented as pharmaceutical grade.

Foam-Control Applications

Dimethicone can reduce foam in selected water-based and industrial processes. Effective performance depends on dispersion, droplet size, carrier system and the chemistry of the foaming medium.

A compounded antifoam or silicone emulsion may perform better than pure Dimethicone when rapid dispersion in water is required.

Industrial Lubrication and Release

Industrial grades may be used for:

• Mold release

• Surface lubrication

• Polishes

• Textile treatment

• Rubber and plastic processing

• Electrical and mechanical applications

• Protective surface films

• Heat-transfer or damping applications

Industrial-grade Dimethicone must not be used in cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical products without appropriate qualification.

Formulating With Dimethicone

Pure Dimethicone is insoluble in water and is normally incorporated into an oil, silicone or emulsified phase.

During formulation development, evaluate:

• Dimethicone viscosity

• Required sensory profile

• Oil-phase compatibility

• Emulsifier selection

• Mixing and shear

• Addition temperature

• Target droplet size

• Powder and pigment wetting

• Formula stability

• Packaging compatibility

• Finished-product application method

Low-viscosity grades are generally easier to disperse and pump. High-viscosity grades may require pre-blending, heating where appropriate or specialized pumping and mixing equipment.

Supplier formulation guidance should be treated as a starting point rather than a substitute for stability, compatibility and performance testing.

Dimethicone Compatibility

Dimethicone is compatible with many silicone fluids, hydrocarbons, esters, waxes and cosmetic oils, but compatibility is not universal.

It is generally insoluble in:

• Water

• Glycerin

• Propylene glycol

• Many highly polar solvents

Phase separation can occur when Dimethicone is added without a suitable carrier or emulsification system. Always perform bench testing before production scale-up.

Cyclic Siloxanes D4, D5 and D6

Commercial Dimethicone can contain residual low-molecular-weight cyclic siloxanes from manufacturing. Buyers may need defined limits for:

• D4: Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane

• D5: Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane

• D6: Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane

Requirements vary by market, product type and customer standard. A general statement such as “cosmetic grade” does not replace a numerical D4, D5 and D6 specification.

For products intended for the European market or multinational brands, request a current cyclic-siloxane declaration and verify the applicable regulatory requirements for the finished product.

Regulatory and Quality Considerations

The INCI name Dimethicone identifies the cosmetic ingredient but does not establish:

• Product purity

• Viscosity

• Pharmaceutical compliance

• Food-contact status

• D4, D5 or D6 limits

• Country-specific regulatory acceptance

• Suitability for leave-on or rinse-off use

• Finished-product claim support

Depending on the application, buyers may request:

• Cosmetic-grade declaration

• INCI confirmation

• USP or other pharmacopoeial compliance

• REACH information

• D4/D5/D6 declaration

• Animal-origin statement

• Vegan statement

• Allergen statement

• GMO statement

• Residual-solvent statement

• Heavy-metal data

• Microbiological information

• Country-specific inventory status

All compliance claims should match the exact supplied grade.

Packaging, Storage and Handling

Depending on viscosity and quantity, Dimethicone may be supplied in:

• Small containers

• HDPE pails

• Metal or plastic drums

• Intermediate bulk containers

• Bulk supply systems

High-viscosity grades may require wider openings, drum heaters, positive-displacement pumps or other suitable transfer equipment.

Store Dimethicone:

• In the original tightly closed container

• In a clean, dry and ventilated area

• Away from contamination and incompatible materials

• Within the supplier’s recommended temperature range

• Protected from prolonged exposure to excessive heat

• With cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades segregated from industrial materials

Dimethicone spills can create an extremely slippery surface. Contain and clean spills promptly using an approved procedure.

Documentation for Supplier Qualification

Depending on the grade and market, available documentation may include:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Technical Data Sheet

• Product specification

• INCI statement

• Country-of-origin statement

• Manufacturing-process summary

• D4/D5/D6 declaration

• REACH or inventory-status statement

• Animal-origin statement

• Vegan statement

• Allergen statement

• GMO statement

• Heavy-metal data

• Microbiological statement

• Pharmacopoeial compliance statement

• Change-notification policy

• Packaging specification

Confirm required documents before placing an order.

What to Include in a Dimethicone RFQ

For a faster and more accurate quotation, provide:

1. INCI name or chemical name

2. Required viscosity in cSt, cP or mPa·s

3. Test temperature

4. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical or industrial grade

5. Pure fluid, emulsion or blend requirement

6. Required D4, D5 and D6 limits

7. Maximum volatile content

8. Required refractive-index or density range

9. Packaging size

10. Order quantity and annual demand

11. Delivery country, city or port

12. Intended application

13. Required regulatory and quality documents

Frequently Asked Questions About Dimethicone

What is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is a family of linear polydimethylsiloxane polymers used for slip, conditioning, film formation, water repellency, lubrication and foam control.

Is Dimethicone organic or inorganic?

Dimethicone is an organosilicon polymer. It contains an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone with organic methyl groups and is commercially classified with organic silicone specialty chemicals.

Is Dimethicone a fine chemical or an intermediate?

Dimethicone is generally a specialty or fine chemical ingredient rather than a chemical intermediate. It is commonly used directly for its functional properties in finished formulations.

Is Dimethicone the same as silicone oil?

Dimethicone is a common type of silicone oil, but “silicone oil” is a broader term that can include other silicone structures and functional groups.

Does Dimethicone have one molecular weight?

No. Dimethicone is a polymer family, and molecular weight varies with chain length. Commercial grades are usually selected by viscosity rather than a single molecular weight.

What is the difference between 100 cSt and 1,000 cSt Dimethicone?

The 100 cSt grade is lighter and spreads more quickly. The 1,000 cSt grade is thicker, provides greater cushion and forms a more persistent surface film.

Is Dimethicone soluble in water?

No. Pure Dimethicone is insoluble in water. It requires a suitable emulsifier, dispersion system or pre-made emulsion for incorporation into water-based formulations.

Is Dimethicone volatile?

Volatility depends on molecular weight and viscosity. Very low-viscosity grades can have more volatility, while conventional medium- and high-viscosity Dimethicone fluids are generally considered non-volatile.

Is Dimethicone the same as Dimethiconol?

No. Dimethiconol is normally hydroxyl-terminated and has a different INCI identity and formulation behavior.

Is Dimethicone the same as Simethicone?

No. Simethicone generally combines polydimethylsiloxane with finely divided silica. It is a separately specified material.

Which Dimethicone viscosity is best for cosmetics?

There is no universal best viscosity. Low viscosities provide lighter spreading, medium viscosities such as 350 cSt balance slip and film formation, and high viscosities provide stronger substantivity and conditioning.

Can cosmetic-grade Dimethicone be used in pharmaceuticals?

Not automatically. Pharmaceutical use requires the correct grade, applicable pharmacopoeial compliance, quality system and intended-use documentation.

Request a Dimethicone Quote

Send us your required viscosity, grade, cyclic-siloxane limits, packaging, quantity and delivery destination. We will confirm the applicable specification, documentation and commercial terms.

For personal-care applications, include the intended product type and target sensory profile. For pharmaceutical or regulated applications, provide the required pharmacopoeial and quality-system requirements.