What it is
Stearyl Dimethicone is a silicone modified with a long-chain stearyl group, giving it wax-like behavior at room temperature. In sunscreens and skincare it functions as an emollient and a structuring agent that thickens anhydrous and oil phases while imparting a smooth, silky after-feel. It is often used to give sticks and gels body and a pleasant glide.
Safety & warnings
Silicone waxes such as stearyl dimethicone are generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing and have low comedogenic potential; they sit largely on the skin surface.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; a silicone polymer functionalized with a stearyl (C18) alkyl group.
Questions everyone asks
What role does stearyl dimethicone play?
It acts as an emollient and structuring silicone wax, giving products a smooth feel and helping thicken oil-based phases such as in sticks.
Is it likely to clog pores?
Silicone waxes of this type are generally considered low in comedogenic potential and sit mostly on the skin surface.