Emollient

Cetyl Dimethicone

Silicone emollient with a cetyl (C16) lipid tail — combines the silkiness of silicones with the conditioning effect of fatty acids. Ideal for hair: covers the cuticle, reduces friction, and provides extraordinary shine without weighing it down.

silicone conditionerhair shinesilkinesscuticle

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Cetyl Dimethicone — an ester of polydimethylsiloxane and cetanol (C16). Combines the properties of silicones (low surface tension, shine, smoothness) and fatty alcohols (conditioning, adhesion to the cuticle). Liquid or waxy depending on MW. INCI: Cetyl Dimethicone. Adsorbs to the hair surface via the cetyl tail, forming a durable conditioning layer. Does not wash out as quickly as pure silicones. Water-resistant. Compatible with anionic and cationic surfactants.

Hair conditioners, smoothing and shine products, leave-in conditioners, hair tip serums. Also in skin creams as a luxurious emollient.

Key Benefits

✦

Smoothing the cuticle and friction protection

Cetyl Dimethicone fills in the irregularities of the cuticle and reduces inter-fiber friction. Result: hair is easier to comb (dry combing force -40% vs placebo), less breakage during combing and styling. The cetyl tail provides wash-off resistance — the effect lasts through several washes. Especially effective for damaged, colored, and chemically treated hair.

◈

Mirror-like shine without weighing down

A thin silicone layer on the cuticle reflects light evenly → pronounced shine and "mirror" effect. Unlike heavy silicones (cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone 1000cs), cetyl dimethicone does not weigh down fine hair and does not build up with regular use. Effect: healthy-looking hair without the feeling of "plastic coating."

✧

Water-resistant protection from moisture and frizz

A hydrophobic silicone layer on the cuticle protects the hair strand from excessive moisture absorption from the air → less frizz in humid climates. Especially valuable in frizz-control formulas. Adhesion through the cetyl tail provides long-lasting protection even in rainy weather.

Suitable for

damaged haircolored hairfrizzy hair

Main Actions

✓ smoothing the cuticle✓ hair shine✓ frizz protection

Silicone conditioners: weight rating

Light (for fine hair): Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone (low MW), Cyclomethicone. Medium (universal): Cetyl Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone. Heavy (for thick, damaged): Dimethicone (high MW), Dimethiconol, Stearoxy Dimethicone. Cetyl Dimethicone — optimal balance between conditioning and lightness.

CategoryEmollients

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