Ingredient review
Bis-C10-28 Alkyl Dimethicone
INCI: BIS-C10-28 ALKYL DIMETHICONE
A gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and lock in moisture without clogging pores.
In plain English
This is a type of silicone that sits on top of your skin to create a silky, smooth feel. It helps other ingredients spread evenly and can make your skin feel soft without being greasy. Because it forms a light film, it also helps keep moisture in and can improve the wear of makeup or sunscreen.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Bis-C10-28 Alkyl Dimethicone is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Bis-C10-28 Alkyl Dimethicone.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic silicone polymer with long alkyl chains (carbon chains ranging from 10 to 28 atoms) attached to a dimethicone backbone. This structure makes it more compatible with oils and waxes than standard dimethicone.
How it works
It spreads across the skin to form a thin, breathable film that reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and gives a smooth, velvety finish. Its alkyl branches help it blend well with other emollients and waxes, improving the texture and stability of formulations.
Pros
Silky, non-greasy feel
Creates a smooth, velvety texture on the skin that helps makeup apply evenly and reduces the sticky or greasy feel of other ingredients.
Improves water resistance
Forms a light film that helps sunscreens and long-wear makeup stay put longer, even in humid conditions or when sweating.
Cons and cautions
Not silicone-free friendly
If you prefer to avoid silicones for personal or environmental reasons, this ingredient won't fit your routine.
May feel heavy on oily skin
In high concentrations, the film-forming effect can feel a bit heavy or occlusive for those with very oily or acne-prone skin.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a smooth, silky finish in moisturizers or makeup
- People with normal to dry skin who want extra moisture retention
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid silicones in their skincare routine
Usage tips
Safety summary
Bis-C10-28 Alkyl Dimethicone is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. As with all silicones, it is not biodegradable, which is an environmental consideration.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have found dimethicone and related alkyl dimethicones to be safe as used in cosmetics. Studies show low skin irritation and sensitization potential. Environmental persistence is a noted concern.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. No known restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Foundations, Primers, Lip products
- Environmental note
- Silicones like this one are not biodegradable and can accumulate in the environment. Some manufacturers are working on more eco-friendly alternatives.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often used in combination with other silicones and emollients to fine-tune texture.
- It is considered non-comedogenic for most skin types, but individual reactions can vary.
Common questions
What is Bis-C10-28 Alkyl Dimethicone in beauty products?
This is a type of silicone that sits on top of your skin to create a silky, smooth feel. It helps other ingredients spread evenly and can make your skin feel soft without being greasy. Because it forms a light film, it also helps keep moisture in and can improve the wear of makeup or sunscreen.
What does Bis-C10-28 Alkyl Dimethicone do in a beauty product?
It spreads across the skin to form a thin, breathable film that reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and gives a smooth, velvety finish. Its alkyl branches help it blend well with other emollients and waxes, improving the texture and stability of formulations.
Is Bis-C10-28 Alkyl Dimethicone safe for most people?
Bis-C10-28 Alkyl Dimethicone is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. As with all silicones, it is not biodegradable, which is an environmental consideration.
Who should be careful with Bis-C10-28 Alkyl Dimethicone?
Those who strictly avoid silicones in their skincare routine
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.