Aminopropyl Dimethicone

INCI: AMINOPROPYL DIMETHICONE

Also known as: Aminopropyl Dimethicone

A silicone polymer that conditions and smooths the hair fibre

At a glance

Silicon

Usage Frequency

Daily

What Is Aminopropyl Dimethicone?

Aminopropyl Dimethicone is a silicone-based conditioning agent derived from siloxane polymers. It belongs to a family of dimethicone variants used widely in cosmetic formulations. The ingredient functions primarily as a hair conditioning agent, working to improve the texture and appearance of the hair fibre.

This ingredient is found in a relatively small proportion of skincare products (approximately 0.1%), though it is more common in haircare formulations. It is included at low concentrations, typically well below 15% in finished products.

How It Works

Aminopropyl Dimethicone deposits onto the hair surface, forming a thin conditioning film. This coating reduces the roughness of the cuticle layer and minimises the friction between individual hair fibres, which helps prevent tangling and breakage during styling or brushing.

The silicone polymer does not penetrate deeply into the hair shaft; instead, it works as a surface treatment, which is why it is sometimes described as occlusive or film-forming.

Clinical Evidence & References

Safety assessments of dimethicone and related siloxane polymers (including aminopropyl dimethicone) have found them to be well-tolerated in cosmetic use. Dermal absorption studies indicate that dimethicone is not absorbed through the skin following topical exposure, and no acute toxicity has been reported at typical concentrations of use.

Research on the conditioning efficacy of this specific ingredient in haircare is limited in the published literature. Most evidence for silicone conditioning agents is derived from broader studies of the dimethicone family rather than aminopropyl dimethicone in isolation.

How to Use

Apply to damp hair after shampooing, focusing on mid-lengths and ends rather than the scalp. A small amount goes a long way with silicone conditioners. For those with very fine or thin hair, use sparingly to avoid a heavy feel. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove residue.

Safety & Precautions

Aminopropyl Dimethicone is generally well-tolerated and not absorbed through the skin. Some individuals with product sensitivity or scalp sensitivity may prefer to avoid heavy silicone build-up, particularly if shampooing infrequently.

How widely it's used

0.1%
of skincare products contain this ingredient — placing it in the top 25% of most-used ingredients.
Most common in: Treatments

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers
INCI Name
AMINOPROPYL DIMETHICONE
EC Number
-
Function
Hair Conditioning

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