Simethicone
Blend of fluid dimethicone and silicon dioxide. Acts as an antifoam agent – prevents the formula from foaming during manufacturing and application. In skincare appears in sunscreens and foundations. Forms a thin film on skin, does not penetrate the epidermis.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Simethicone is a blend of fluid polydimethylsiloxane (dimethicone) and amorphous silicon dioxide (5-7%). Works as an antifoam agent: hydrophobic silica particles disrupt foam bubble surface tension. A technical ingredient: practically no skin action of its own. Where applied. In cosmetics – in sunscreens, foundations, BB creams, mineral-filter creams (0.1-1%): prevents formula 'foaming' during manufacturing and application. In pharmacy – in flatulence preparations (Espumisan) orally and in endoscopy (helps the physician see the mucosa without foam). Also in some infant anti-reflux syrups. Where it appears in Spain. In most mass sunscreens La Roche-Posay Anthelios, Avène, ISDIN, Bioderma Photoderm. In foundations MakeUp Forever, NARS. In pharmacy Aerored, Pansoral. Evidence base. Topical simethicone in cosmetics is purely functional (foam suppression). Systemically for flatulence – Holtmann 2014 (meta-analysis) showed moderate effect comparable to placebo in adults; in infant colic – Anabrees 2013 (Cochrane Review) did not find convincing efficacy evidence. Safety. CIR confirmed simethicone safety in cosmetics. On intact skin remains as a thin film, does not penetrate the epidermis, no systemic activity. Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, non-comedogenic. Systemically with oral use – not absorbed from GI tract, excreted unchanged in feces. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Topically no restrictions. Orally for flatulence – safe at any pregnancy stage and during breastfeeding, first-line therapy for pregnancy dyspepsia.
Frequently asked questions
Is Simethicone safe during pregnancy?
Simethicone is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Simethicone for?
Simethicone suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Simethicone and what does it do in cosmetics?
Blend of fluid dimethicone and silicon dioxide.
What's the INCI name for Simethicone?
The INCI name is Simethicone. It may also appear as: Dimethicone + Silica blend.
See Simethicone in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
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