Silicones are everywhere. They’re in your creams, lotions, conditions, shampoos, and lip balms.

But, what are they exactly? And what role do they play in the health of your skin and hair? Should you use products that contain them?

Many people would say no, throw them out and go natural. After all, most natural hair products actively market their products as silicone-free. So, what is so bad about them, if anything?

Before you decide whether to include this ingredient in your beauty routine or not, we’ll answer some of your questions.

What Are Silicones Exactly?

Let’s get scientific for a moment.

Silicones are synthetic polymers made from silica, carbon, hydrogen, and a few other elements. Essentially, they’re synthetic plastics and chemicals created in a lab.

Skin and hair care products made from these polymers create a water-resistant barrier, kind of like a breathable film coating.

This barrier locks in moisture, but it doesn’t actually moisturize the skin. In fact, consistently using this synthetic offers virtually no long-term benefits or improvements.

What Are Their Beauty Uses?

The main reason manufacturers use these in cosmetics is that they improve the quality and efficiency of the products. The synthetic gives products that luxurious, velvety feel we all know and love.

These synthetics have emollient properties, which help fill in those fine lines and wrinkles. This can make the skin appear smoother, making them a great addition to make-up products like skin primers and anti-aging skincare products.

Since they also create a barrier on the skin and hair, they are a popular addition to hair care products for natural or curly hair. They reduce frizz, smooths the hair follicle, and hold in moisture. However, as we’ve said, they lock in moisture, but they don’t moisturize.

So, much like most synthetics, they don’t offer any nutritional benefits. Their use is mainly for aesthetic purposes – to make the skin and hair look and feel healthier and smoother.

But, once you wash the product away, you’re back where you started.

Different silicones also have distinct benefits and uses. For example, Cyclopentasiloxane is thin and light, and it evaporates easily. This makes it a common element of antiperspirants and hairspray.

Should You Avoid Them?

Well, they don’t have any lasting effects, so they’re unlikely to cause any lasting damage. The most you might experience is a mild allergic reaction.

Research shows that they are completely safe for topical application, meaning there is minimal risk to your health if you choose to use products that contain silicones. But, as with most cosmetics, you should use them in moderation.

Some Common Criticisms Against Using Silicone:

They Can Cause Breakouts

A clear downside to using these synthetics is, ironically, one of the reasons why they’re used. Although the barrier they create on the skin keeps toxins out, it can also lock them in.

If you’ve already experienced issues with acne, using a silicone-based product can trap oils, dirt, and dead skin cells, which will lead to more breakouts.

They Aren’t Water-Soluble

They are water-resistant, which means that they don’t dissolve in water. They’re essentially plastics. So, they’re quite difficult to rinse or wash away. This can cause them to get stuck in your pores.

So, if you use these products, you may have to use an oil cleanser or double cleanse to completely remove them from your skin and hair.

The Benefits Are Superficial

They have no nutritional value. Their benefits are surface-level at best. They might make your hair and skin look good, but they won’t do anything to actually improve your skin and hair.

In fact, if you don’t cleanse them away, they could cause even more dryness and frizz as they prevent moisture from entering your skin and hair.

In Summary

Silicones increase the efficiency and luxury of cosmetic products. While they offer numerous aesthetic benefits, like making your hair and skin feel silky smooth and soft, there aren’t really any internal benefits. They’re all about making you look good.