Decoding The Label: Silicone

Tuesday 29 May 2012


Whether you are talking about haircare, skincare or make up, silicones are one of those ingredients that polorises the beauty community. People either have no issues with using products containing silicones or they hate them and won't use products that contain it. 

The silicones commonly used in skincare are Dimethicone, also known as Polydimethylsiloxane, Methicone and Cyclomethicone. Dimethicone is used in moisturisers as a skin protector. It helps to protect the skin by keeping moisture in. It also helps to fill in wrinkles, fix uneven skin tone, reduce redness and acne scars which is why it's a popular ingredient in primers. Dimethicone is a non-comedogenic ingredient (it doesn't clog pores).

In haircare it's used to coat the hair, helps to detangle, get rid of frizz and make it soft and smooth. Silicone is what makes your hair feel smooth when you are washing it. Because silicone coats the hair shaft, any other products you use won't penetrate. You'll then get a build up of products. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week if your haircare contains silicones. 

Silicone is cheap and makes your skin feel soft and silky. It creates a barrier between your skin and the make up you apply on top of it. It's unlikely the silicone will be absorbed into the body due to its molecular size, since it's large and weighty, which is why it creates the barrier. Normally you would find sweat and oils will ruin your make up, but the silicone helps to protect it. 

There are concerns that using silicones stops our body from naturally removing sweat and toxins because of the barrier. Some people also find that silicones are irritating to the skin. Try to give your face a day or two silicone free to breathe. 

If you're concerned about silicones, scan the ingredients. If the ingredient ends in "cone" or "siloxane" it's most likely a silicone. 
XO








10 comments:

  1. I love this 'decoding the label' series you're doing! Personally, I'm not too fussed about silicones but it's always nice to get an in-depth look at the contents of our beauty products!

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    1. So glad you are liking it MM! I've been quite surprised at what the ingredients actually do.

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  2. I am also really loving this series! Just picked up the same hair mask that had panthenol in it to see it also has dimethicone and cyclomethicone.. hmmmm not sure if that counterreacts the panthenol's benefits haha but oh well.
    I never look at ingredients of products so it's really awesome that I'm actually learning whether the things in my products are beneficial or harmful!

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    1. I'm so glad you are liking it Sue. I'm learning too with all you! I've never really thought much about what I'm putting onto my skin.

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  3. Such a great post! I think we don't pay enough attention to ingredients sometimes!

    Sharleena xx

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    1. I agree!! I'm careful with what I eat, but no what I put onto my skin.

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  4. Thank you for another well-informed lesson X

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  5. I heard about some products that have silicone like make up or shampoo but the truth is that I never pay attention to the ingredients of what I'm using for my skin, I search for oil-free products for my face but I guess that they have a lot of silicone since they avoid our make up to be ruined!

    Great post!
    Denise.

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    1. So glad you liked the post Denise :) I've been guilty of not knowing whats in my skincare and make up too.

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