Dimethicone- ▸ Personal-care spreading carrier: base fluid for antiperspirants, lotions and hair/skin care — light, non-greasy feel with no residue
- ▸ Low-temperature bath & heat-transfer fluid: lowest viscosity that resists evaporation in open baths (service ~-70 to 150 °C)
- ▸ Dielectric / electrical insulating fluid: impregnates and cools tight windings and assemblies
- ▸ Release & light lubrication for plastic, rubber and foam parts (not for steel-on-steel)
- ▸ Antifoam base oil and water-repellent glass / lens coating
Mid- and high-viscosity polydimethylsiloxane fluids (>= 5 cSt) are reported as not meeting GHS hazard-classification criteria. The grade-specific SDS governs. A full SDS is supplied with every shipment and on request; hazard status is confirmed against the grade-specific SDS.
Silicone Oil 5 cSt is the lightest non-volatile linear PDMS (dimethicone) grade. Its low molecular weight and low surface tension give fast spreading, easy wet-out and a light, dry, non-greasy feel, which makes it the workhorse thin-film carrier: a spreading agent in personal care, a low-temperature bath and dielectric fluid, an antifoam base oil, and a light release and water-repellent film for plastics and glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5 cSt silicone fluid used for?
5 cSt silicone fluid (dimethicone / PDMS) is a light, fast-spreading carrier: a spreading agent and emollient in personal care, a low-temperature bath and dielectric fluid, an antifoam base oil, and a light release / water-repellent film for plastics and glass. Its low viscosity gives fast wet-out and a dry, non-greasy feel.
Is 5 cSt silicone fluid the same as dimethicone or silicone oil?
Yes — silicone fluid, silicone oil, dimethicone and PDMS all refer to the same linear polydimethylsiloxane (CAS 9006-65-9); 5 cSt is the viscosity grade. Because it is a polymer rather than a single molecule, properties are reported per grade rather than as one fixed molecular weight.
Is 5 cSt silicone oil flammable?
No. At a flash point of 135 °C (open cup) the 5 cSt grade is not classified as flammable, and mid- to high-viscosity PDMS is not otherwise GHS-classified. Only the volatile sub-5 cSt grades (and discrete volatiles like MM) are flammable. A grade-specific SDS ships with every order.
Identity and hazard data sourced from PubChem and authoritative regulatory references. Confirm against the grade-specific CoA and SDS supplied with every shipment.