The Truth About Silicones in Skincare
Are silicones bad for your skin? We debunk common myths about silicones and explain what science actually says about these ingredients.
Silicones are among the most controversial ingredients in skincare. Some people swear they cause breakouts, clog pores, and suffocate skin. Others love the smooth, silky feel they provide. What does science actually say?
The truth is that most claims against silicones are myths. Let us separate fact from fiction.
Common Silicone Myths
Myth 1: Silicones Suffocate Your Skin
The Claim: Silicones form an impenetrable barrier that prevents skin from breathing.
The Truth: Silicones form a semi-permeable barrier. They allow oxygen and water vapor to pass through while reducing moisture loss. Your skin does not breathe in the traditional sense anyway. It receives oxygen from blood supply, not the air.
Myth 2: Silicones Clog Pores
The Claim: Silicones are comedogenic and will cause acne.
The Truth: Most silicones have comedogenic ratings of 0-1. Dimethicone, the most common silicone, has a rating of 1. They are among the least likely ingredients to clog pores.
Myth 3: Silicones Build Up and Cannot Be Removed
The Claim: Silicones accumulate on skin over time.
The Truth: Silicones can be removed with regular cleansing. Oil-based cleansers or surfactant-based cleansers effectively remove silicones. There is no evidence of problematic buildup with normal hygiene.
Myth 4: Silicones Prevent Products from Absorbing
The Claim: If you apply silicones, nothing else can penetrate.
The Truth: While silicones can slow absorption of products applied afterward, they do not completely block penetration. Apply water-based products before silicone-heavy ones for best results.
Myth 5: Silicones Are Harmful Chemicals
The Claim: Silicones are dangerous synthetic chemicals.
The Truth: Silicones are chemically inert and have been used safely for decades. They are used in medical devices, baby products, and pharmaceutical applications. They are among the most well-studied and safe cosmetic ingredients.
What Are Silicones?
Silicones are synthetic polymers made from silicon (a natural element), oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. They are not the same as silicon (the element) or silica (sand).
Common Silicones in Skincare
| Silicone | Comedogenic Rating | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dimethicone | 1 | Moisturizers, primers |
| Cyclomethicone | 0 | Lightweight products |
| Cyclopentasiloxane | 0 | Serums, primers |
| Dimethicone crosspolymer | 1 | Blurring primers |
| Phenyl trimethicone | 1 | Shine, hair products |
Actual Benefits of Silicones
1. Protect Skin Barrier
Silicones reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping skin retain moisture. This is especially beneficial for:
- Dry skin
- Damaged skin barriers
- Skin recovering from treatments
2. Smooth Texture
Silicones create a silky, smooth feel that:
- Makes products pleasant to apply
- Helps makeup glide on
- Temporarily blurs fine lines and pores
3. Non-Irritating
Silicones are so gentle they are used in:
- Wound care products
- Scar treatment sheets
- Baby skincare
- Products for sensitive skin
4. Stable and Safe
Silicones are:
- Chemically inert
- Do not react with other ingredients
- Do not break down into harmful substances
- Have an excellent safety record
When Silicones Might Cause Issues
While silicones are generally safe, some situations may cause problems:
Poor Cleansing
If you use silicone-heavy products but do not cleanse properly, residue can accumulate. Solution: Use a two-step cleansing routine.
Other Ingredients
Breakouts attributed to silicones may actually be caused by other ingredients in the product.
Rare Sensitivity
A small percentage of people may have genuine sensitivity to silicones. This is rare but possible.
Personal Preference
Some people simply do not like the feel of silicones, which is valid but not a safety issue.
Scientific Perspective
Major dermatological and cosmetic chemistry organizations do not consider silicones problematic:
- The FDA considers them safe
- The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has reviewed them extensively
- Dermatologists commonly recommend silicone-containing products
- They are used in medical applications with direct body contact
Should You Avoid Silicones?
For Most People: No
Silicones are safe, non-comedogenic, and beneficial for many skin types.
Consider Avoiding If:
- You have confirmed sensitivity (rare)
- You personally dislike the texture
- You prefer silicone-free products for personal reasons
- Environmental concerns (some silicones have environmental impact)
How to Use Silicones Properly
- Apply water-based products first: Before silicone-heavy products
- Cleanse thoroughly: Double cleansing works well
- Choose quality products: Not all silicone products are equal
- Do not over-layer: Too many silicone products can feel heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dermatologists recommend avoiding silicones?
No. Most dermatologists consider silicones safe and recommend products containing them.
Are silicones natural?
No, silicones are synthetic. However, synthetic does not mean harmful. Many safe, effective ingredients are synthetic.
Can silicones cause aging?
No. There is no evidence silicones cause aging. If anything, their moisture-retention properties may help skin appearance.
Are silicone-free products better?
Not necessarily. Silicone-free is a marketing trend, not a scientific recommendation. The best product depends on your individual needs.
The Bottom Line
Most claims against silicones are myths not supported by science. Silicones are safe, non-comedogenic, and beneficial for many people. The fear of silicones is largely driven by misinformation and marketing.
If silicone products work well for you, there is no scientific reason to stop using them. If you prefer silicone-free options, that is a valid personal choice but not a health necessity.
Want to know which silicones are in your products? Use SCRNE to scan any ingredient list and instantly identify silicones and their comedogenic ratings.
Sources
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Johnson, W., et al. "Safety Assessment of Cyclomethicone, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, and Cycloheptasiloxane." International Journal of Toxicology, vol. 30, no. 6_suppl, 2011, pp. 149S-227S. PubMed
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Becker, L. C., et al. "Safety Assessment of Dimethicone, Methicone, and Substituted-Methicone Polymers as Used in Cosmetics." International Journal of Toxicology, vol. 33, no. 2_suppl, 2014, pp. 65S-115S. PubMed
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Draelos, Z. D. "The science behind skin care: Hair and scalp care." Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, vol. 10, no. 3, 2005, pp. 289-292.
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European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. "Opinion on Cyclomethicone." SCCS, 2010.
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Cosmetic Ingredient Review. "Safety Assessment of Dimethicone and Related Silicones as Used in Cosmetics." CIR Expert Panel