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.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional antifoam. Safety confirmed by CIR. No standalone effect on skin.
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.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora 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.
Simethicone is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Simethicone suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Blend of fluid dimethicone and silicon dioxide.
The INCI name is Simethicone. It may also appear as: Dimethicone + Silica blend, Симетикон.
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