Silicone in Skincare: What It Is, Why It’s Used, and Why Some Consumers Avoid It
By:
bryan choong
On
16/11/2024Reading time:
0 min
Summary:
In the world of skincare, silicone is a common yet controversial ingredient. Known for its smooth, silky texture and ability to create a protective barrier on the skin, silicone is used widely in moisturizers, primers, and other cosmetic formulations. However, concerns about potential health effects, such as endocrine disruption, have prompted some consumers to seek silicone-free products. This article explores what silicone is, why it’s used in skincare, and the pros and cons associated with it.
What is Silicone?
Silicone is a synthetic polymer made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Common types found in skincare include dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, and cyclohexasiloxane. These compounds are known for their unique texture and ability to form a water-resistant barrier on the skin (Rogers, 2014). This barrier is often beneficial in skincare, as it can lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is especially helpful for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Why is Silicone Used in Skincare?
Silicone has several properties that make it highly desirable in cosmetic formulations:
Texture Enhancement: Silicones give products a smooth, velvety feel, which enhances the user experience. This texture allows skincare and makeup to glide on effortlessly, creating a soft-focus effect that can blur the appearance of fine lines and pores (Zhang et al., 2006).
Barrier Formation: When applied to the skin, silicone forms a semi-occlusive barrier that helps to retain moisture. This barrier can be especially beneficial for people with dry skin, as it helps to lock in hydration without causing heaviness (Anderson & Fuller, 2010).
Stability and Compatibility: Silicones are highly stable, non-reactive, and compatible with other ingredients, making them ideal for a wide range of formulations. They don’t oxidize or break down easily, which means they help improve product longevity.
The Pros and Cons of Silicone in Skincare
Pros:
Moisture Retention: By forming a barrier on the skin, silicones help lock in moisture, reducing dryness.
Non-Comedogenic: Despite creating a barrier, most silicones are lightweight and allow the skin to “breathe,” meaning they are less likely to clog pores compared to other occlusive agents.
Silky Texture: Silicones give products a smooth texture that feels pleasant on the skin, improving the overall application experience.
Cons:
Potential Build-Up: Silicone’s semi-occlusive nature can lead to build-up on the skin, which may cause dullness or congestion if not thoroughly cleansed (Schmitt et al., 2002).
Temporary Effect: Silicones provide an immediate smooth feel but do not offer long-term skin benefits, which has led to criticism that they provide more aesthetic than therapeutic value.
Environmental Impact: Some silicone compounds, especially cyclic silicones like cyclopentasiloxane, are not biodegradable and can persist in the environment, raising sustainability concerns (Wang et al., 2010).
Why Do Some Consumers Avoid Silicone?
Concerns About Endocrine Disruption: Certain silicones, particularly cyclic variants like cyclotetrasiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane, have been under scrutiny due to their potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Research has shown that these compounds may mimic estrogen, albeit weakly, leading to concerns about hormone disruption with long-term exposure (Scheringer et al., 2014). However, regulatory bodies, such as the European Union, have set restrictions on these compounds, and further research is ongoing to confirm their safety.
Skin Sensitivity and Build-Up: For some consumers, silicone can cause skin issues. While generally non-comedogenic, silicone’s barrier can trap other ingredients, potentially leading to irritation or breakouts if the skin is not properly cleansed. This has led to the perception that silicones can clog pores, although the evidence remains mixed.
Preference for “Natural” Ingredients: As clean beauty and natural skincare trends gain momentum, more consumers are gravitating toward silicone-free products. Silicone, as a synthetic ingredient, does not align with the values of some consumers who prefer natural
The Controversy: Is Silicone Safe?
The safety of silicone in skincare has been the subject of debate. While many silicones, such as dimethicone, are widely regarded as safe and are even used in medical products, cyclic silicones like cyclotetrasiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane have raised concerns. Studies have shown that cyclic silicones can accumulate in the environment and may possess weak endocrine-disrupting properties (Scheringer et al., 2014). As a result, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricts their use in certain applications, though the scientific consensus on their direct impact on human health remains inconclusive.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not imposed restrictions on silicone in cosmetics, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deemed many silicones safe for use in skincare. However, the demand for silicone-free products is rising, driven largely by consumer preference rather than regulatory mandate.
Conclusion
Silicone remains a popular ingredient in skincare due to its unique textural qualities and ability to lock in moisture. While the potential for endocrine disruption in certain types of silicones has sparked controversy, regulatory bodies like the FDA and CIR consider many silicones safe for cosmetic use. As with any ingredient, the decision to use or avoid silicone comes down to personal preference, skin type, and individual skincare goals.
As research continues, the industry will likely see more alternatives to silicone that offer similar benefits with fewer environmental concerns. For now, consumers seeking a smooth, non-greasy feel may find silicone-based products effective, while those prioritizing natural formulations may choose silicone-free options.
References
Anderson, R. L., & Fuller, L. C. (2010). Dimethicone and silicone in dermatology. Dermatologic Therapy, 23(5), 514-522.
Chaudhri, S. K., & Jain, N. K. (2009). History of cosmetics. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, 3(3), 164.
Rogers, J. S. (2014). Silicone polymers in cosmetics and personal care. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 65(2), 147-160.
Scheringer, M., Gobas, F. A. P. C., Cowan-Ellsberry, C. E., et al. (2014). Using multimedia mass-balance modeling to investigate the environmental fate of cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes in the global environment. Environmental Science & Technology, 48(16), 9601-9609.
Schmitt, W. H., Lange, F., Wang, X. Q., & Dahm, H. S. (2002). Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in skincare applications. Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 38-42.
Wang, D. G., Norwood, W., Alaee, M., Byer, J. D., & Brimble, S. (2010). Review of the environmental fate and effects of cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes. Chemosphere, 79(6), 833-839.
Zhang, X., Lui, H., & Li, P. (2006). The application of silicone derivatives in cosmetics. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28(1), 1-9.
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