Amodimethicone
Modified silicone with amino groups. On skin and hair it anchors more firmly than regular dimethicone and provides a stronger protective effect.
Evidence by route
Topical application
More often used in hair products, less often in creams. Provides no standalone therapeutic effect but forms a thin protective film.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Oily, Dry, Combination, Normal
About this ingredient
Amodimethicone is a modified silicone with amino groups at the end of the polymer chain. The positive charge of the amino groups gives the molecule affinity for negatively charged keratins of skin and hair – better deposition than regular dimethicone. Mechanism. On hair it deposits on damaged, negatively charged cuticle areas – seals split ends, smooths the surface, adds shine. On skin it forms a hydrophobic film that holds moisture. Adhesion is stronger than regular dimethicone: the effect persists after several washes. Where applied. Hair conditioners and masks (0.5–3%), leave-in hair products, anti-frizz products, creams for very dry hand and body skin. Brands: Pantene, Garnier Fructis, L'Oréal Elseve. Safety. CIR confirmed safety of amodimethicone in 2003. Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, non-comedogenic (despite the common silicone-and-acne myth). No systemic absorption through intact skin. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage. One of the safest hair-care ingredients in pregnancy and lactation. Environmental controversy. A long-chain silicone, not readily biodegradable. After rinse-off, enters wastewater. Cyclic silicones (D4, D5) restricted in EU from 2020; linear silicones (including amodimethicone) remain allowed. Particularly suitable for. Damaged, colored, bleached hair, split ends. Not suitable for scalps prone to oiliness at the roots (deposits and weighs hair down).
Frequently asked questions
Is Amodimethicone safe during pregnancy?
Amodimethicone is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Amodimethicone for?
Amodimethicone suits: oily, dry, combination, normal.
What is Amodimethicone and what does it do in cosmetics?
Modified silicone with amino groups.
What's the INCI name for Amodimethicone?
The INCI name is Amodimethicone.
See Amodimethicone in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Explore by category
Published: · updated: