The Uses, Efficacy, and Applications of Dimethicone in Medicine

Its low surface tension, easy spreadability, and suitable viscosity give personal care products a lubricating, oily feel, making the skin soft. It has anti-foaming, defoaming, and anti-foaming properties, preventing the "whitening" phenomenon when applying products. Different products require different viscosities; higher viscosity means greater oiliness, while lower viscosity gives the skin a dry feel. Due to its sedimentation properties, it is used in low quantities in cosmetic formulations. Product characteristics can be adjusted by using polydimethylsiloxanes of different viscosity grades in combination.

Polydimethylsiloxane can be used in electronic connectors in the electrical and electronic industry.

Polydimethylsiloxane can be used in fibers and leather as a water-repellent agent, softener, hand feel improver, defoamer in the dyeing industry, and lubricant for sewing threads. This emulsion can be used for fatliquoring leather, thereby enhancing its hydrophobicity, softness, and comfort. Treating leather surfaces with it can enhance abrasion resistance, water resistance, and mold release properties.

Polydimethylsiloxane is a food-grade defoamer used in pharmaceuticals and food processing, particularly during brewing and fermentation. Because it is non-toxic and does not cause physiological reactions in the human body, it is also used as a medical defoamer for the treatment of acute pulmonary edema and flatulence. In pharmaceutical monographs, substances referred to as silicones (or silicone oils) are a general term for a class of organosilicon oxidized polymers. Dimethylsiloxane is just one commonly used type in pharmaceuticals. Other types include ethyl silicone oil, methylphenyl silicone oil, and wax-containing silicone oils. In tablet polishing agents such as insect wax, a small amount of this product is often added to enhance the gloss and moisture resistance of the tablet surface. In ointments, due to its good lubricity, ease of application, non-staining properties, and lack of interference with normal skin function, it is an ideal hydrophobic base. It is often used in combination with oily bases to prepare protective ointments to prevent irritation or corrosion from water-soluble substances, acids, and alkalis.