Silicone in cosmetics: Good or Bad?

We’ve all heard a lot about silicones. Some argue that it does nothing wrong; others on the contrary, that this is the worst ingredient in cosmetics. So how really? Why are they used in cosmetics? How do they affect our skin and hair? Is it good or bad?

The most common types of silicones in cosmetics:

• Cyclomethicone – water-soluble
• Dimethicone Copolyol – water-soluble
• Dimethicone – water-insoluble
• Amodimethicone – water-insoluble
• Phenyl Trimethicone – water-insoluble
• Cyclopentasiloxane – water-insoluble
• Cyclohexasiloxane – water-insoluble

Silicones in Skin Care

Silicone acts as a protective barrier. Silicone such as Cyclomethicone doesn’t clog pores so it’s perfect for oily skin with acne. Also, silicones are not able to penetrate into skin cells due to the large size of the molecules so they remain on the surface of the skin.

Nevertheless, some argue that their pores get clogged when using products with silicones.

There are many types of silicones, for example, Dimethicone is extremely heavy. Sometimes this is an advantage. For people with very dry skin, silicones create a film on the skin that locks moisture in, keeping skin hydrated; but for people with very sensitive skin, silicones can cause allergic skin reactions. The only way to know if a product is good for your skin is to try it!

Silicones in Hair Care

With Cyclomethicone, hair is easier to comb, dry faster, shine and are much less electrified. At the same time, your hair remains soft and silky. Sounds good, right?

Dimethicone is a heavier type of silicone. For dry, damaged and dyed hair, it gives the best result because form a protective layer to protect hair from breakage.

Like silicones in skin care, It completely depends on what hair type you have, they are suitable for you or not. From my own experience I can say that my hair needs light silicones that will add shine and smoothness to my hair. My hair looks more well-groomed with silicone styling products. Whatever type of hair you have, try different products and decide what is right for you.

Is silicone good or bad?

In my opinion, too much negative talk about silicones, but many forget about functions that they perform. Silicones are added to skin products to seal in moisture and help the product spread over the skin easily.

Silicones are not necessarily bad; it is not suitable for everyone. You just need to find out what will work on your skin and hair.

What about cancer?

I found some information about it. Yes, there is indeed a risk that breast implants and silicone injections can lead to cancer. It has been written that silicone turns into silicon dioxide and silicon dioxide is a carcinogen that cause cancer. But it is still not proven that silicone affects it. Since silicones that are applied to our skin and hair have large sizes of molecules and are not able to penetrate into skin cells, we should not be afraid of the products that we apply to skin.

What is your opinion on silicones? Do you use body and hair care products with silicones in the composition?