is this silicone free? i see that it has trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone in it. is that a silicone?

According to what I found on the internet it is a silicone based polymer that functions as a conditioning agent.

Does this actually help more than just dry shampoo?

Hi, thanks for the question about Kristin Ess Instant Lift Thickening Spray. While this product is not a dry shampoo, Kristin Ess recommends applying it to towel-dried hair before blow-drying for an extra lift, you can still use this on air-dried hair. For best results, Kristin Ess recommends applying 5 -7 sprays from roots to ends, evenly spreading it across your hair. Once your hair is completely dry, then you can style with hot tools as desired. - Pharmapacks, an authorized seller of Kristin Ess

Is the Kristin Ess Brand cruelty-free?

Yes, Kristin Ess is a cruelty-free brand and is committed to being cruelty-free. This means Kristin Ess products are never tested on animals at any stage of product development, and the brand will only work with vendors who uphold the same standards. Kristin Ess is proud to share that all of their products are certified cruelty-free by PETA’s Caring Consumer program. - Pharmapacks, an authorized seller of Kristin Ess