Ingredient review

Perfluorononyl Dimethicone

INCI: PERFLUORONONYL DIMETHICONE

A high-tech silicone that provides a silky feel and water resistance without clogging pores, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.

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In plain English

Perfluorononyl Dimethicone is a man-made ingredient that combines silicone with fluorine atoms. In your skincare or haircare product, it spreads easily, feels silky, and forms a thin, breathable film that helps keep water out (for water resistance) or lock moisture in. It's often used in sunscreens to make them stay on longer when you swim or sweat, and in primers to create a smooth base for makeup. Because it's a large molecule, it sits on the surface of your skin or hair rather than being absorbed, so it's generally non-irritating and unlikely to cause breakouts. However, the fluorinated part of the molecule is related to a class of chemicals called PFAS, which are being studied for their potential to build up in the environment.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.8Good
3.8/ 5

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Perfluorononyl 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Perfluorononyl Dimethicone.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A synthetic hybrid polymer made by attaching a perfluorononyl chain (a type of fluorinated carbon chain) to a dimethicone (silicone) backbone. This gives it properties of both silicones (smooth feel, spreadability) and fluorinated compounds (water and oil repellency).

How it works

When applied, the silicone backbone helps the ingredient spread evenly across the skin or hair, while the fluorinated side chains align to create a low-surface-energy film that repels water and oil. This film is flexible and breathable, meaning it doesn't completely block the skin's natural functions, but it does help other ingredients (like sunscreen filters) stay put longer.

Pros

Excellent water resistance

Helps sunscreens and makeup stay effective longer during swimming, sweating, or humid conditions.

Silky, non-sticky feel

Leaves a smooth, velvety finish on skin and hair without the heavy or greasy sensation of some oils.

Cons and cautions

Environmental concerns

The fluorinated part is a type of PFAS, which can persist in the environment and is under increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Not biodegradable

Like many silicones and fluorinated compounds, it does not break down easily in nature, raising sustainability questions.

Best for

  • People looking for long-wearing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen
  • Those with normal to oily skin who want a matte, silky finish

Use caution if

  • Individuals who prefer to avoid all fluorinated compounds or silicones
  • Those with very sensitive skin that reacts to film-forming ingredients

Usage tips

Use in sunscreens or primers for enhanced wear time.
Apply to damp skin for easier spreading.
Layer with water-based products first to avoid pilling.

Safety summary

Generally recognized as safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It is not absorbed through the skin and has low irritation and comedogenic potential. The main concern is environmental persistence, not direct human toxicity from cosmetic use.

Research notes

Research on this specific ingredient is limited, but studies on similar fluorinated silicones indicate they are effective film formers with low skin penetration. The broader PFAS class is under investigation for environmental and health effects, though high-molecular-weight polymers like this one are considered less bioavailable.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.5% to 5%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. However, some countries are reviewing all PFAS-related ingredients due to environmental concerns.
Common uses
Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Primers, Hair serums, Color cosmetics
Environmental note
Perfluorononyl Dimethicone is a fluorinated silicone that may contribute to the accumulation of persistent chemicals in the environment. Its production and disposal are being studied for long-term ecological impact.

Good to know

  • Often listed near the end of ingredient lists because it's used in small amounts.
  • Not all PFAS are the same; this ingredient is a high-molecular-weight polymer that is not absorbed through skin.

Common questions

What is Perfluorononyl Dimethicone in beauty products?

Perfluorononyl Dimethicone is a man-made ingredient that combines silicone with fluorine atoms. In your skincare or haircare product, it spreads easily, feels silky, and forms a thin, breathable film that helps keep water out (for water resistance) or lock moisture in. It's often used in sunscreens to make them stay on longer when you swim or sweat, and in primers to create a smooth base for makeup. Because it's a large molecule, it sits on the surface of your skin or hair rather than being absorbed, so it's generally non-irritating and unlikely to cause breakouts. However, the fluorinated part of the molecule is related to a class of chemicals called PFAS, which are being studied for their potential to build up in the environment.

What does Perfluorononyl Dimethicone do in a beauty product?

When applied, the silicone backbone helps the ingredient spread evenly across the skin or hair, while the fluorinated side chains align to create a low-surface-energy film that repels water and oil. This film is flexible and breathable, meaning it doesn't completely block the skin's natural functions, but it does help other ingredients (like sunscreen filters) stay put longer.

Is Perfluorononyl Dimethicone safe for most people?

Generally recognized as safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It is not absorbed through the skin and has low irritation and comedogenic potential. The main concern is environmental persistence, not direct human toxicity from cosmetic use.

Who should be careful with Perfluorononyl Dimethicone?

Individuals who prefer to avoid all fluorinated compounds or silicones Those with very sensitive skin that reacts to film-forming ingredients

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety of SiliconesOpenEnvironmental Working Group (EWG) - PFAS in CosmeticsOpenPubMed - Fluorinated Silicones in Personal CareOpen

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.