murphyMethicone
AKA: METHICONE [INCI], 2-Methyl-1, 2-oxasilinanato, TXYXVOOPRILIHR-UHFFFAOYSA-N, 2-METHYL-1, 2-OXASILINANE
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
OriginMethicone is derived from dimethicone, a silicone polymer made from silicon and methyl groups. It is synthesized through polymerization of dimethylsiloxane monomers via hydrolytic condensation processes.
The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety concluded that the following 30 dimethicone, methicone, and substituted-methicone polymers are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating, with the exception that the available data are insufficient to make a determination of safety for use of these ingredients in products that may be incidentally inhaled when applied using airbrush devices: Methicone
Formula
C5H11OSi
Mol. Weight
115.23
CAS #
9004-73-3
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Reduces Static
Conditions Skin
Softens & Smooths
Reduces Flyaways
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 307)
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions mild (CIR 307 and 807)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00014–3.6%
Rinse-off0.15–0.46%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2019 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR