Ingredient label reference
Dimethicone
Silicone conditioning fluid
Occlusives and film-forming ingredients
A silicone fluid used to soften a formula's feel and help it leave a smooth protective layer on the surface.
- Also seen as
- Dimeticone · Dimeticonum · Polydimethylsiloxane · PDMS
- Reported functions
- Skin conditioning—emollient · Skin conditioning · Skin protecting
- Example formats
- Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Why it may be in a product
It can change spread, slip and after-feel while contributing a surface-conditioning layer.
What the name tells you
It identifies dimethicone and points to possible emollient, conditioning or surface-protecting roles.
What the label cannot tell you
It cannot establish percentage, viscosity or grade, layer thickness, persistence or the finished product's performance.
Evidence status
Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.
Reference entries
Evidence and boundaries
Terminology sources, shown plainly.
The glossary uses official European sources to check ingredient terminology and to keep medical, biocidal and finished-product claims outside the glossary. Cosmetic references concern human products; their use here is limited to names and reported formulation functions.
Reference review: 2026-08-25.
Read the Journal editorial method →Discussed in Journal guides
- How your dog’s skin barrier worksLipids, water loss and comfort · Examples of water-binding, emollient or film-forming functions. An ingredient name alone does not prove barrier repair or a canine outcome.
- How often should you bathe a dog?A wash and a leave-on product are used differently · Examples of cleansing-function terminology and of terminology associated with leave-on formats. The names establish neither how often a product is used, nor in what format, nor whether it suits an individual dog — the product's own directions state its intended use, and a veterinarian is who adjusts anything for a particular animal.
- Everyday care for sensitive and atopic canine skinLeave-on care and contact time · Examples of humectant, emollient or film-forming functions. Their presence does not establish duration, efficacy or tolerance.
Source 1
European Commission — CosIng databaseA non-binding reference for cosmetic ingredient names and reported functions. It concerns human cosmetics and is used here only as a terminology source, not as canine safety approval.
Source 2
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175The current EU glossary of common ingredient names for cosmetic product labelling, applicable from 30 July 2026.
Source 3
Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal productsRegulatory context for why claims about treating or preventing disease are outside this formulation glossary.
Source 4
Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 on biocidal productsRegulatory context for why disinfection and pest-control claims are outside this formulation glossary.