Ingredient review
Dimethiconol Borageate
INCI: Dimethiconol Borageate
A gentle silicone-oil hybrid that smooths skin and hair without heavy greasiness, with added fatty acid benefits from borage oil.
In plain English
Dimethiconol Borageate is a clever blend of silicone and borage seed oil. The silicone part gives a silky, non-greasy feel and helps lock in moisture, while the borage oil part provides nourishing fatty acids (like gamma-linolenic acid) that support the skin barrier. It's often used in moisturizers and hair products to make surfaces feel smooth and soft without being sticky or heavy.
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
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Dimethiconol Borageate 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 Dimethiconol Borageate.
- 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 semi-synthetic ester formed by chemically joining dimethiconol (a silicone polymer) with borage seed oil fatty acids. This creates a molecule that combines the smooth, film-forming properties of silicone with the nourishing, barrier-supporting qualities of borage oil.
How it works
When applied, it spreads easily over skin or hair, forming a thin, breathable film that reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and imparts a silky, smooth feel. The borage oil component delivers fatty acids that help maintain the skin's natural barrier, while the silicone part provides a non-occlusive, lightweight finish that doesn't clog pores.
Pros
Lightweight conditioning
Provides a silky, non-greasy feel on skin and hair, making it ideal for those who dislike heavy oils or creams.
Barrier support
The borage oil component supplies gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.
Cons and cautions
Silicone-based
As a silicone derivative, it may not appeal to those who prefer silicone-free formulations due to environmental or personal preferences.
Limited independent research
Most evidence comes from manufacturer studies; peer-reviewed research on this specific ester is sparse.
Best for
- People with dry or dehydrated skin looking for a lightweight moisturizer
- Those with frizzy or dull hair wanting smoothness and shine
Use caution if
- Individuals who strictly avoid silicones in their routine
Usage tips
Safety summary
Dimethiconol Borageate is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. As with any ingredient, patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Research notes
Evidence is primarily from manufacturer safety data and ingredient reviews by cosmetic safety panels (e.g., CIR). No large-scale independent human studies are available, but the component parts (dimethicone, borage oil) have strong safety profiles.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the US and EU, with no known restrictions.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Serums, Hair conditioners, Leave-in treatments
- Environmental note
- Silicone esters like this are generally considered more biodegradable than traditional linear silicones, but full environmental impact data is limited.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often found in 'clean' beauty lines as a silicone alternative because it is biodegradable.
- It is not water-soluble, so it works best in oil-based or emulsion formulas.
Common questions
What is Dimethiconol Borageate in beauty products?
Dimethiconol Borageate is a clever blend of silicone and borage seed oil. The silicone part gives a silky, non-greasy feel and helps lock in moisture, while the borage oil part provides nourishing fatty acids (like gamma-linolenic acid) that support the skin barrier. It's often used in moisturizers and hair products to make surfaces feel smooth and soft without being sticky or heavy.
What does Dimethiconol Borageate do in a beauty product?
When applied, it spreads easily over skin or hair, forming a thin, breathable film that reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and imparts a silky, smooth feel. The borage oil component delivers fatty acids that help maintain the skin's natural barrier, while the silicone part provides a non-occlusive, lightweight finish that doesn't clog pores.
Is Dimethiconol Borageate safe for most people?
Dimethiconol Borageate is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. As with any ingredient, patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with Dimethiconol Borageate?
Individuals who strictly avoid silicones in their 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.