Dimethicone and related silicone polymers showed minimal to no absorption through skin and weren't toxic in animal studies at concentrations up to 10-79%. The ingredient caused minimal skin and eye irritation in rabbits, didn't trigger allergic reactions in guinea pigs or humans (including a 83-person patch test), and showed no reproductive or developmental harm—though one study noted decreased body weight in treated male rats.

Researchers reviewed absorption, toxicity, irritation, allergic response, and reproductive effects of dimethicone and 20 related silicone ingredients using animal studies (rabbits, rats, mice, monkeys) and human patch testing, at concentrations matching real cosmetic use.

Funding not disclosed in abstract