Ingredient deep-dive

Dimethicone: Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernSilicone

Silicone polymer (polydimethylsiloxane). Not the same as solid microplastic but classed as a synthetic polymer; EU is consulting on tighter limits.

Where it appears

Hair conditioner and serum (for shine)
Primer and foundation (for slip)
Moisturizers
Anti-aging creams

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

D4 and D5 cyclic siloxanes restricted; linear dimethicone (PDMS) under consultation for tighter limits.

United States

No federal restriction; FDA approves for cosmetic and OTC use.

Cleaner alternatives

Squalane (plant-derived)
Jojoba oil
Argan oil for slip

Use the app

Scan any product for Dimethicone in 5 seconds

The MicroPlastics iOS app flags this ingredient and 24 others instantly. Paste a label into the free web ingredient checker first if you want a no-install scan.

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Dimethicone — common questions

Is Dimethicone a microplastic?

Yes — it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Silicone polymer (polydimethylsiloxane). Not the same as solid microplastic but classed as a synthetic polymer; EU is consulting on tighter limits.

Is Dimethicone banned?

EU: D4 and D5 cyclic siloxanes restricted; linear dimethicone (PDMS) under consultation for tighter limits. US: No federal restriction; FDA approves for cosmetic and OTC use.

What can I use instead of Dimethicone?

Cleaner alternatives include: Squalane (plant-derived); Jojoba oil; Argan oil for slip.

What products contain Dimethicone?

Commonly found in: Hair conditioner and serum (for shine); Primer and foundation (for slip); Moisturizers; Anti-aging creams.