Are Silicones in Skincare, Makeup & Haircare Bad for You?

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I think it is fair to assume that we can all get a bit worked up if constantly challenged with blatant misinformation, in regards to topics we are very passionate and/or very educated on. Recently, I have been made aware of many bouts of misinformation circulating social media, magazines and the world at large honestly (that sounds a bit dramatic, but you get the point), and I have truly gotten to the point of being so fed up with hearing the same untrue statements being made, that I have decided to take matters into my own hands (lol).

My hope is to share the actual FACTS with you all/the public in general, so that not only will you be an educated human being, but that you may also be an educated consumer and no longer feel overwhelmed and conflicted, considering how much misinformation is out there. I also hope to simplify topics that may have previously seemed overly complex, and I definitely hope to save you a lot of money in the long run!

With all that being said, today's topic of conversation happens to be- Silicones in our skincare, haircare and makeup. I have recently been seeing more and more articles and videos popping up stating "SILICONES ARE BAD" and that you need to cut them out of your routine immediately! Ummmm, that could not be FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!

I have already filmed a video explaining this and that will be linked below, so for this blog post I have decided to keep things short and sweet, so I will simply leave my main points bulleted for you all. If you are in search of more detailed explanations for each point, then definitely check out my video (my references can also be found in the description box of the video)! :)

MY VIDEO ON SILICONES

WHY SILICONE IS PERFECTLY SAFE TO USE

(And Why You Should Stop Turning to "Influencers" As Your Sole Skincare Consultants)

- Silicones are odourless, colourless, NON-TOXIC oily substances, derived from Silica

- There are 1000s of silicones used in varying industries (medical, beauty, automotive), so just saying "Silicone is bad" is an extremely broad blanketed statement (which "silicone" out of the 4000 + derivatives to choose from, are you speaking about when you say it's BAD for me Felicia?)

- Silicone derivatives currently used in beauty products are all safe & approved for use by the FDA

- Silicones act as an emollient in most products, but can also be a bit occlusive- which can retard Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)

- Because it can be occlusive, silicones can also act as a corresponding occlusive to a humectant in a formula

- Silicones can also be used in formulas as a degreasing agent (ex. If mineral oil is present it can minimize the greasy appearance). It can also be used on oilier skin types because when mixed with our sebum, it also minimizes the shiny appearance

- Silicones are LIGHTWEIGHT!

 Dimethicone and other silicone derivatives can soften the top layer of skin (evening and smoothing texture), while lightweight feel is ideal for oilier/acne prone skin

- Skincare containing silicone derivatives are NONCOMEDOGENIC and DO NOT exacerbate acne.
They can actually combat dryness & irritation

- Irritation and inflammation can occur when formulas contain known irritants (ie. fragrance in the form of parfum, essential oils, botanicals). When trapped in the follicle because of the occlusive nature of silicone derivatives, these irritants are the real culprits!

- Silicones DO NOT suffocate the skin or inhibit the performance & absorption of active ingredients.
The molecular structure of silicones allows them to form a permeable barrier on the skin, hence, they are just there to lend a helping (not hurtful) hand

-  0 reports exist of humans having adverse side effects from using silicones in beauty products.
The immune system is unbothered by silicone derivatives, so there is LOW likelihood of developing allergies

- The claim that silicones can be "heavy" stems from the fact that there exist WATER SOLUBLE and NON-WATER SOLUBLE derivatives of silicone.
Water soluble derivates are easily broken down when being cleansed off the skin/hair.
Non-water soluble (or water insoluble) derivatives are not as easily cleansed off the skin/hair. Proper & thorough cleansing of the skin and/or hair is required to eliminate the "build up" of said silicone derivatives.

WATER SOLUBLE SILICONE DERIVATIVES

(a few...)

- Dimethicone Copolyol

- Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane

- Lauryl Methicone Copolyol

- Behenoxy Dimethicone

- Cyclohexasiloxane 

- Cyclotetrasiloxane

- Any silicone with PEG as a prefix

WATER INSOLUBLE SILICONE DERIVATIVES

(a few...)

- Amodimethicone (does not lead to "build up")

- Cyclomethicone (does not lead to "build up")

- Dimethicone

- Trimethylsilylamodimethicone

- Pheryl Trimethicone

- Ceteraryl Methicone

- Dimethiconol

- Stearyl Dimethicone

- Cetyl Dimethicone

- Cyclopentasiloxane

- Phenyl Trimethicone

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I hope I was able to shed a little light on the world of silicone/silicone derivatives. Please feel free to reach out to me if further clarification is needed, or even if you just have something to add! And as previously mentioned, I spoke about each point a bit more in depth in my video and I also explained the meaning of many terms, so if you find yourself a bit confused still, be sure to check out that video linked above. 

Other than that, I am always open to hearing what other topics you would like me to cover, so be sure to let me know! :)

xoxo

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