Ruling of Dimethicone and Face Peeling

4-12-2025 | IslamWeb

Question:

AssalamualaikumCan some creams or shampoos that contain dimethicone be used before do wudu ? Because it creates a barrier to prevent water from penetrating, but it is so small or does it have to be something that has mass and thick? and Can certain acids in creams, such as BHA or AHA, be used? Because they help exfoliate the skin but do not peel the face in sheets.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger.

We do not have sufficient information about the substance dimethicone to give a definitive ruling on it. However, if you wash that substance off and you do not see any layer of it remaining on the hair or body, then that is sufficient, and your wudu’ (ablution) is valid.

The barrier that affects the validity of purification is a tangible barrier that prevents water from reaching the skin. Al-Dusuqi Al-Maliki () said in his Hashiyah: “What is meant by solid dirt is a barrier that must be removed for wudu’, such as mud. As for dirt that does not form a barrier, it is not required to remove it for wudu’.” [End quote]

As for using those acids that aid in skin peeling (chemical exfoliants), the basic ruling according to many scholars is that it is not permissible, because it involves altering the creation of Allah.

However, using them to treat certain skin diseases is permissible, even if it leads to peeling of the skin—so long as their use does not cause harm and the substances are not impure. Al-Badr Al-ʿAyni () said in ʿUmdat Al-Qari, his commentary on Sahih Al-Bukhari: “Using medicines that remove freckles or beautify the face for one’s husband is permitted… She () was asked about peeling the face. She said: ‘If it is something she was born with, then it is not permissible for her to remove it. But if it is something that appeared later, there is no harm in peeling it.’” [End quote]

Allah knows best.