Capryl Dimethicone
AKA “Silicone, Caprylic Dimethicone”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Capryl dimethicone
AKA: Silicone, Caprylic Dimethicone
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Silicone
Synthetic
Clean
Science: Functions: Skin Conditioning - Emollient Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A hybrid silicone compound developed in the late 20th century combining capric acid derivatives with dimethicone to create a lightweight, water-resistant conditioning agent for skin and hair.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Structural Similarity-Induced Inter-Component Interaction in Silicone Polymer-Based Composite Sunscreen Film for Enhanced UV Protection.
Chen Y, Xu H, Liu Y, Fu Q, Zhang P et al.
Polymers, 2024
Structural Similarity-Induced Inter-Component Interaction in Silicone Polymer-Based Composite Sunscreen Film for Enhanced UV Protection.
Chen Y, Xu H, Liu Y, Fu Q, Zhang P et al.
Polymers, 2024
Structural Similarity-Induced Inter-Component Interaction in Silicone Polymer-Based Composite Sunscreen Film for Enhanced UV Protection.
Chen Y, Xu H, Liu Y, Fu Q, Zhang P et al.
Polymers, 2024
Structural Similarity-Induced Inter-Component Interaction in Silicone Polymer-Based Composite Sunscreen Film for Enhanced UV Protection.
Chen Y, Xu H, Liu Y, Fu Q, Zhang P et al.
Polymers, 2024
Structural Similarity-Induced Inter-Component Interaction in Silicone Polymer-Based Composite Sunscreen Film for Enhanced UV Protection.
Chen Y, Xu H, Liu Y, Fu Q, Zhang P et al.
Polymers, 2024
Safety Assessment of Polysilicone-11 as Used in Cosmetics.
Cherian P, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2024
Safety Assessment of Polysilicone-11 as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Capryl Dimethicone
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polysilicone-11
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polysilicone-11
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Addressing the Structural Organization of Silicone Alternatives in Formulations by Molecular Dynamics Simulations and a Novel Equilibration Protocol.
Ferreira T, Loureiro A, Noro J, Cavaco-Paulo A, Castro TG
Polymers, 2023
Effects of silicone emulsifiers on in vitro skin permeation of sunscreens from cosmetic emulsions.
Montenegro L, Paolino D, Puglisi G
Journal of cosmetic science, 2004
Design and Characterization of Silicone and Surfactant Based Systems for Topical Drug Delivery.
Oyafuso MH, Carvalho FC, Chiavacci LA, Gremião MP, Chorilli M
Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology, 2015
Design and Characterization of Silicone and Surfactant Based Systems for Topical Drug Delivery.
Oyafuso MH, Carvalho FC, Chiavacci LA, Gremião MP, Chorilli M
Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology, 2015
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR