Dimethicone and related silicones weren't absorbed through skin or absorbed orally, showed minimal irritation in rabbit and human tests, and didn't cause allergic reactions at concentrations up to 5%. No reproductive or developmental toxicity was found in rats, rabbits, and monkeys at doses tested, though one study noted decreased body weight in treated males.

Researchers reviewed absorption, toxicity, irritation, and sensitization studies across multiple animal models (rabbits, rats, mice, guinea pigs, monkeys) and human patch tests using dimethicone at various concentrations (up to 79%) and exposure routes (oral, dermal, inhalation).

Funding not disclosed in abstract