Encyclopedia · silicone
Dimethiconol
A dimethicone with hydroxyl end groups, usually supplied as a thick gum emulsion for longer-lasting slip in rinse-off conditioners.
What it is
A hydroxyl-terminated silicone polymer. We found no dedicated safety or efficacy paper, so the details here are general class knowledge. It was not covered by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review report on dimethicone and related polymers that we opened.
How it works
The same mechanism class as dimethicone: a water-repellent lubricating film (see silicones).
What the studies show
- No hair-specific studies were found. Claims come from manufacturers and formulators only.
Side effects and safety
No specific data were found. It is a cosmetic ingredient with an uneventful record in class-level reviews.
Bottom line
Treat it as a dimethicone variant. It is fine in conditioners for damaged hair, and there is nothing to seek or avoid. We are not very sure of anything beyond this.
Studies 0
No studies are listed for this page yet.
Related
- DimethiconeThe standard hair silicone, a water-insoluble oil that coats the fibre for slip, shine and friction control without repairing anything.
- AmodimethiconeA dimethicone with positively charged amine groups, so it clings to damaged hair and resists rinsing better than plain dimethicone.
- Silicones in hair careSilicones coat hair to cut friction and add shine without repairing it; buildup is real but manageable, and the scare claims are unsupported.