Dimethicone belongs to a huge class of ingredients called silicones, which are derived from silica (the element found in beach sand and quartz). Dimethicone is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic, which makes it an ideal moisturizing ingredient for those with sensitive or blemish-prone skin.

Dimethicone is actually FDA-approved to be used as a medical-grade skin protectant, which is why you often see it in skin-protecting ointments like diaper rash creams. In Stratia products, it’s used for its moisturizing and occlusive properties to help keep skin soft and hydrated.

In several studies, dimethicone-based skincare products have been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and prevent irritation. In one particular study, skin was treated with a dimethicone-based lotion and then cleansed with an irritating detergent. The treated skin saw significantly less TEWL and visual irritation than the skin that wasn’t pre-treated, meaning dimethicone can help reduce irritation even as it’s being washed off.