Silicones have become one of the most misunderstood ingredient groups in skincare. Often labeled as “synthetic,” “pore-clogging,” or “bad for the skin,” they are frequently avoided based on assumptions rather than science. In reality, silicones have been used safely in cosmetic formulations for decades and play an important role in improving product performance, skin comfort, and stability.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common misconceptions surrounding silicones in skincare and explain why these ingredients continue to be trusted by cosmetic chemists.
Breathable Yet Non-Occlusive on the Skin
One of the most misunderstood aspects of silicones is how they interact with the skin. Rather than sealing the skin completely, silicones form a breathable film. This film allows oxygen to pass through, helping the skin maintain normal physiological functions. For this reason, scientific literature often describes silicones as non-occlusive topical agents.
Do Silicones Clog Pores?
Silicones are generally considered non-comedogenic. Some types evaporate after application due to their volatile nature, while others have a molecular size that is too large to penetrate the pores. As a result, they sit lightly on the surface of the skin without contributing to congestion or breakouts.
From a personal perspective, this understanding of silicones aligns closely with my own experience. I have struggled with acne-prone skin, and over time I noticed that certain oils and natural butters—such as coconut oil and shea butter—tended to trigger breakouts for me. As a result, when formulating my own personal lotions, I began replacing most oils and butters with silicone-based ingredients, and I have experienced far fewer acne-related issues.
Silicone-based creams tend to feel very lightweight and silky on the skin, yet they still provide effective moisturization by reducing transepidermal water loss without creating a heavy or greasy feel. For individuals who are acne-prone or sensitive to richer oils, silicone-based products can be a particularly good option. If you haven’t tried silicone-based moisturizers before, they may be worth considering for their balance of skin comfort and hydration.
Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Refillable Moisturizer
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone*, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Yeast Extract, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide EOS, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Tocopherol, Saccharide Isomerate, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment, Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Sodium Chloride, Trisiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-25, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Behenic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone*, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mica, Phenoxyethanol.
(*Silicone ingredient)
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel for Skin Barrier Repair
Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone*, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane*, Glycerin, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract/Extrait D’Orge, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Caffeine, Trehalose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria), Polysilicone-11*, Silica, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Oleth-10, Lactobacillus Ferment, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Yellow 5 (Ci 19140), Red 4 (Ci 14700), Yellow 6 (Ci 15985) Lotion.
(*Silicone ingredient)
Both products are “W/Si” (Water-in-Silicone), which refers to an emulsion where tiny water droplets are dispersed within a continuous silicone oil phase.
Low Irritation Potential and Stability of Silicones
Another important benefit of silicones is their low irritation potential. Silicones are chemically stable and non-reactive, which means they are far less likely to trigger skin irritation or allergic reactions. By reducing friction on the skin, they improve product spreadability and create a lightweight, silky texture that enhances overall comfort during application.
In contrast, natural oils are not always gentler, despite common assumptions. Some natural oils can contain potential irritants or allergens—for example, people with nut allergies may react to certain plant-derived oils. Additionally, many natural oils are prone to oxidation. Over time, they can go rancid, leading to unpleasant odors and reduced product stability. A familiar example can be found in the kitchen: cooking oils often develop a strong, unpleasant smell over time as they oxidize. Sunflower oil, for instance, can go rancid after a few months, even under normal storage conditions.
Silicones, on the other hand, do not oxidize easily and remain stable over time. Their low reactivity makes them a reliable and skin-friendly ingredient, particularly for sensitive or reactive skin types.
How Silicones Break Down in the Environment
From an environmental standpoint, silicones do not remain unchanged forever. Over time, they degrade into dimethylsilanediol (DMSD). This compound can volatilize into air or soil, and when present in water, it continues to break down. Through oxidation, DMSD ultimately converts into silicic acid and carbon dioxide, completing its degradation process.
Here’s a list of common silicone ingredients used in cosmetics. Check your skincare or makeup and see if any of these are in your products!
Commonly Used Silicone Ingredients in Cosmetic Formulation
- Dimethicone (Emollient)
- Dimethiconol (Emollient)
- Phenyl Trimethicone (Emollient)
- Caprylyl Methicone (Emollient)
- Methyl Trimethicone (Emollient)
- Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) – being phased out and heavily restricted
- Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) – being phased out and heavily restricted
- Dimethicone Crosspolymer (Silicone Elastomer)
- Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer (Silicone Elastomer)
- Polysilicone-11 (Silicone Elastomer)
- PEG-10 Dimethicone (Emulsifier)
- Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone (Emulsifier)
- Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone (Emulsifier)
- Trimethylsiloxysilicate (film former) – for long lasting effect
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