Dimethicone silicon oil

Dimethicone silicon oil, also known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or silicone oil, is a clear, odorless, and non-volatile silicone-based polymer widely used for its lubricating, anti-foaming, water-repellent, and skin-conditioning properties. It is a linear silicone polymer composed of repeating dimethylsiloxane units. Dimethicone exhibits excellent thermal stability, chemical inertness, and low surface tension, making it highly versatile in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care, industrial, and food applications. It is available in various viscosities, from very low to high viscosity oils, enabling tailored formulations.

Description

Dimethicone silicon oil

Primary Uses

  1. Cosmetics & Personal Care

  • Acts as a skin conditioning agent, providing a silky, smooth feel in creams, lotions, foundations, sunscreens, and hair care products.
  • Functions as an emollient and anti-foaming agent to improve texture and spreadability without greasiness.
  • Used in hair serums and conditioners to provide shine, reduce frizz, and protect hair from moisture loss and heat damage.
  • Forms a breathable, water-resistant barrier on the skin that protects and retains moisture.
  1. Pharmaceuticals

  • Utilized as a base and lubricant in topical formulations such as ointments, creams, and baby oils.
  • Functions as an anti-foaming agent in oral and intravenous formulations to prevent gas formation and aid manufacturing.
  • Used in medical devices and lubricants for catheters and other instruments due to its biocompatibility and non-toxicity.
  1. Industrial Applications

  • Serves as a lubricant, mold release agent, and anti-foaming agent in manufacturing processes including plastics, textiles, and rubber.
  • Used in polishes, coatings, and sealants to impart water repellency and enhance surface finish.
  • Employed in automotive and aerospace industries as a lubricant and protective coating.
  1. Food Industry

  • Approved as a food additive (E900) for use as an anti-foaming agent in food processing and packaging.
  • Helps prevent foaming during boiling, frying, and sterilization processes in food manufacturing.

 

Secondary Uses 

  1. Electronics & Optics

  • Used as a dielectric fluid and thermal interface material in electronics cooling and insulation.
  • Applied as an anti-reflective and protective coating in optical lenses and displays.
  1. Household Products

  • Included in polishes, lubricants, and air fresheners for its smooth texture and anti-foaming properties.
  1. Biomedical Research

  • Utilized in tissue engineering and biomedical devices for its biocompatibility and stability

 

KEY ATTRIBUTES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Polydimethylsiloxane
  • Common/Trade Name: Dimethicone, Silicone Oil
  • CAS Number: 9006-65-9
  • HS Code: 3910.00.00
  • Molecular Formula: (C2H6OSi)n (variable polymer chain length)
  • Synonyms:
    • Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
    • Silicone Oil
    • Silicone Fluid
  1. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Clear, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid
  • Odor: Odorless
  • Viscosity: Ranges from 10 cSt to 1,000,000 cSt depending on grade
  • Boiling Point: >200°C (depending on molecular weight)
  • Density: Approximately 0.965 g/cm³ at 25°C
  • Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
  • Stability: Chemically stable, inert, non-reactive under normal conditions
  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Generally regarded as non-hazardous
  • Toxicity: Low toxicity; non-irritant to skin and eyes
  • Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits, considered safe for topical use
  • Flammability: Non-flammable under normal conditions
  1. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers away from heat and direct sunlight
  • Container Type: HDPE or metal drums, glass bottles for low-viscosity grades
  • Shelf Life: 3–5 years if stored properly
  • Handling Precautions: Avoid contamination with water and particulate matter
  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • FDA approved for topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic use
  • Complies with USP, EP, and JP monographs for pharmaceutical grades
  • Approved as a food additive (E900) in regulated quantities
  • REACH registered and compliant
  1. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Low environmental toxicity; biodegradable under certain conditions
  • Persistence: Stable in the environment, but does not bioaccumulate
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required:

  • Gloves (nitrile or latex)

  • Safety goggles or glasses

  • Lab coat or protective clothing

Handling Guidelines:

  • Avoid inhalation of mists or aerosols (especially in spray forms)

  • Use in well-ventilated areas

  • Prevent contamination with water or incompatible substances

Storage Measures:

  • Keep container tightly closed

  • Store in cool, dry place away from oxidizing agents

  • Avoid freezing or excessive heat exposure

Hygiene Practices:

  • Wash hands after handling

  • Avoid ingestion or prolonged skin contact

  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation develops

  • Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation persists

  • Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation occurs

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if symptoms occur

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Dimethicone is generally non-flammable but may burn at high temperatures

  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚

  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) if needed

  • Decomposition Products: May release silicon oxides and formaldehyde on combustion