Ingredient deep-dive

Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernSilicone

Silicone elastomer blend used for smoothing and frizz control. Siloxane chemistry, not a microplastic.

Where it appears

Smoothing hair treatments
Frizz serums
Skin primers

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Argan oil
Squalane
Shea butter

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Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, common questions

Is Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer a microplastic?

Borderline. Silicone elastomer blend used for smoothing and frizz control. Siloxane chemistry, not a microplastic.

Is Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer banned?

EU: Permitted. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer?

Cleaner alternatives include: Argan oil; Squalane; Shea butter.

What products contain Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer?

Commonly found in: Smoothing hair treatments; Frizz serums; Skin primers.

Related ingredients

Dimethicone

Silicone · Medium concern

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

Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane

Silicone · Medium concern

Cyclic siloxanes. D4 and D5 variants are EU-restricted in rinse-off products.

Trimethicone / Phenyl Trimethicone

Silicone · Low concern

Silicone polymer variant used for slip and shine.

Polysilicone-X

Silicone · Medium concern

Synthetic silicone polymer family used as film-formers in long-wear makeup.