Amodimethicone is an ingredient found in some hair care products, specifically those that help manage frizz and curls without weighing down your hair.
It can also be a helpful ingredient for damaged or textured hair.
Learn more about amodimethicone, benefits and safety, and product recommendations.
Amodimethicone is a silicone-based polymer that functions as a hair conditioning agent.
“This silicone derivative is lighter than other silicones such as dimethicone, so it doesn’t weigh your hair down,” says Anna H. Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
According to Vanessa Thomas, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Freelance Formulations, silicones like amodimethicone are frequently used in skin care and hair care products that are developed for anti-frizz and moisturizing properties.
While any hair type can use amodimethicone, it’s typically geared toward curly, textured, and wavy hair.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists several hair care products that contain amodimethicone, including:
- conditioner
- shampoo
- hair coloring and bleaching
- hair treatment and serum
- detangler
- hair spray
- styling mouse and gel
- hair relaxer
While not as common as hair products, the EWG also lists skin care products that contain amodimethicone, such as:
- masks
- makeup primer
- exfoliant/scrubs
- cleansers
- eye cream
- toners
- bronzers
- concealer
- serums
If you’re looking for a hair care product that contains amodimethicone, Thomas says to look for the following ingredients on the product label:
- amodimethicone
- trideceth-12
- cetrimonium chloride
Some silicones, like dimethicone, have a bad rap because they can cause product buildup with repeated use. Thomas explains that amodimethicone is different from dimethicone because the proteins of this ingredient hold a positive charge.
“Positively charged ions actually repel each other,” says Thomas. ”As a result these silicone proteins cannot layer on top of each other, continuing to build up.”
This can help prevent excessive buildup and leave hair feeling lighter.
Besides preventing excessive buildup, Thomas and Chacon explain that amodimethicone has other benefits too, such as:
- it doesn’t weigh hair down
- increases softness and smoothness of hair
- improves texture and shine
- reduces frizziness
- increases color preservation
- selectively binds to hair that’s more damaged
- reduces friction between the hair shafts, preventing direct damage to the hair
Unless you’re looking for a silicone-free product, there are no significant drawbacks to using a product with amodimethicone, according to Chacon.
However, if you don’t like the feel of a leave-in conditioner, it may not be the best choice for you.
Because amodimethicone has a temporary effect on hair, it should be used regularly for maximum benefits.
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The safety of amodimethicone depends on how it’s used. When used topically as a hair care or skin care product, amodimethicone is considered safe.
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Due to its large molecular weight, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) considers it unlikely that amodimethicone would be able to be absorbed into the skin in quantities that would make it unsafe.
Are you wondering if amodimethicone-containing hair care products are right for you, but aren’t sure which products to try?
Here are four affordable, popular amodimethicone-containing hair products you can purchase online or in most beauty supply stores or drugstores.
KERASTASE Discipline Fondant Fluidealiste
This conditioner works well for color-treated, frizzy, curly, or unmanageable hair types. While a bit more expensive than similar products, it only requires a small amount to work, so a little goes a long way.
Plus, it rinses out, so it’s a good option if you don’t like leave-in treatments. Amodimethicone is the third-listed ingredient in this product.
This product is available to purchase online.
Infusium 23 Pro Leave-In Treatment
This lightweight formula has the ability to leave hair feeling soft, hydrated, and easy to style. It’s made for curly, damaged, or tangled hair and helps repair cuticle layers. Amodimethicone is the second-listed ingredient in this product.
This product is available to purchase online.
Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Mask
This hydrating mask contains amodimethicone, argan oil, and other vitamins and nutrients.
This product is formulated to help repair and restore over-processed, damaged, naturally curly, or permed hair. It’s designed to help your hair look healthier and to feel softer and silkier.
This product can be purchased online.
John Frieda Frizz Ease
With amodimethicone listed as the third ingredient, this lightweight smoothing spray is formulated to leave your hair looking smooth and sleek for up to 3 days. It also helps nourish dry hair and protect against heat damage.
This product can be purchased online.
Finding conditioning treatments, styling sprays, or masks that can help tame your curly, frizzy, or hard-to-manage hair can be challenging.
Silicone-based hair care products that contain amodimethicone may be a good option, especially if other silicone-free products aren’t working. Amodimethicone is considered safe when used as an ingredient in cosmetic and beauty products
If you’re not sure whether amodimethicone-containing products are right for you, consult with a hair care specialist. They can help determine the best products for your hair type and needs.