What Is Dimethiconol Borageate?
Dimethiconol Borageate is a hybrid ingredient that joins two familiar cosmetic workhorses: plant oil and silicone. It starts with the fatty acids found in borage seed oil, famous for its high level of the skin-loving omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid. These fatty acids are chemically linked to dimethiconol, a flexible silicone polymer known for its silky feel and water-resistant film. The reaction creates a new molecule that keeps the comforting properties of borage oil while gaining the smooth glide and durability of silicone.
Borage seed oil has been used in skin care since the 1970s for its soothing touch. Silicone chemistry made its cosmetic debut around the same time, and formulators soon saw the value in blending the two. By the early 2000s suppliers had refined a process that fuses dimethiconol with borage fatty acids through controlled esterification, yielding Dimethiconol Borageate in fluid form or as a soft wax. The result handles well in a lab, disperses easily in oils and helps stabilize emulsions.
You will spot Dimethiconol Borageate in leave-on products where a lasting, non-greasy cushion is desired. Think daily moisturizers, overnight masks, anti aging creams, soothing serums, makeup primers and even some hair shine drops. Its gentle nature and light feel make it a versatile choice when a formula needs both nourishment and a velvety finish.
Dimethiconol Borageate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how this dual-action ingredient can improve a formula
- Skin Conditioning: Forms a breathable film that locks in moisture, softens rough patches and helps calm the look of redness so skin feels smooth and supple
- Emollient: Fills in the tiny gaps between skin cells to give an immediate silky feel, reduce transepidermal water loss and leave a non-sticky, satin finish
Who Can Use Dimethiconol Borageate
This ingredient suits most skin types. Dry sensitive and mature skin often appreciate the cushioning moisture and calming feel it brings. Normal and combination skin can enjoy its light slip without feeling greasy. Very oily or highly acne prone users may find the protective film a bit too occlusive in heavy formulations though in most modern blends it remains lightweight.
Dimethiconol Borageate is sourced from borage seed oil and lab made silicone so it contains no animal derived matter. That makes it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
Topical silicones are generally regarded as low risk for systemic absorption which means they are not on the list of ingredients pregnant or breastfeeding women are typically told to avoid. Still this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor just to be safe.
The molecule does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with common actives like retinol niacinamide and vitamin C making it easy to slot into almost any routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Dimethiconol Borageate can vary from person to person. The points below cover potential issues although most users will not experience anything negative when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild redness or itching in individuals with silicone sensitivity
- Temporary congestion or clogged pores for very acne prone skin if the overall product is overly rich
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of allergy to borage derived fatty acids
- Worsening of seborrheic dermatitis or fungal acne for those highly reactive to fatty acid rich ingredients
- Unwanted residue or pilling when layered with water heavy products if not allowed to fully set
If any irritation discomfort or breakout develops stop use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5. Dimethiconol Borageate sits on the skin as a lightweight silicone film that is largely inert while the borage fatty acid portion is highly refined and present in a form that resists oxidation. Silicones are generally classed at 0 and borage oil scores around 2 so the merged molecule averages out to a low 1. Most people prone to acne will tolerate it well but exceptionally clog-prone skin may still prefer to limit use in very rich formulas. Because the ingredient is a film former it can trap existing impurities under heavy layers so good cleansing remains important.
Summary
Dimethiconol Borageate is primarily a skin conditioning emollient that softens rough spots increases moisture retention and leaves a velvety protective veil. The silicone spine provides slip durability and breathable occlusion while the borage-derived fatty acids supply comforting lipids that reinforce the skin barrier.
The ingredient is a niche player rather than a blockbuster but formulators who want a plant-boosted silicone for lightweight moisture often reach for it in premium creams serums and primers.
Overall safety is high with a very low irritation record and no known systemic concerns. As with any new skincare addition it is wise to do a quick patch test to confirm personal compatibility before full-face use.