Dimethicone is a chemical that belongs to the 'siloxane' family - also known as silicones. It is used to improve the 'slippery feel' of personal care products such as moisturisers and hair conditionersⁱ. Although there is not much research showing the negative environmental effects of dimethicone, we know that similar silicone-based molecules have been proven to persist in the environment and are slow to biodegrade^iv. This can be a cause for concern when considering the effects of these chemicals on wildlife such as aquatic organisms, after they have been washed down the drain and released into the environment. At ecostore we aim to use ingredients that are readily biodegradable, as these types of ingredients can naturally decay over time and have less of an impact on the environment. Another cause for concern is that silicones often create a barrier on the skin or the hair, which can be impermeable and have low solubility^vi, making it harder to clean these invisible barriers off. Although no studies have been conducted to show any adverse effects from these silicone resin layers on the skin or the hair, we at ecostore take caution in interrupting the body's natural barriers (such as the acid mantle on the skin) which is another reason why we leave out silicones like dimethicone in our products.

REFERENCES:

i) The use of x-ray fluorescent spectroscopy study the influence of cationic polymers on silicone oil deposition from shampoo

iv) Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone

vi) Silicones: use of substantive properties on skin and hair.