{"id":7242,"date":"2023-07-17T17:52:29","date_gmt":"2023-07-17T15:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/?page_id=7242"},"modified":"2026-05-31T08:04:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T06:04:45","slug":"silicones","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/silicones\/","title":{"rendered":"Silicone: A miracle ingredient or a hidden enemy for your skin?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"bd-brand\"><style>\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(260px,1fr));gap:16px;margin-top:8px}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;padding:24px 26px;background:rgba(255,255,255,0.6);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.95);border-radius:22px;backdrop-filter:blur(20px);text-decoration:none;transition:transform 0.25s ease,box-shadow 0.25s ease;box-shadow:0 10px 40px rgba(42,36,56,0.04)}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card:hover{transform:translateY(-4px);box-shadow:0 22px 55px rgba(42,36,56,0.1)}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card-tag{font-family:var(--bd-sans);font-size:11px;font-weight:600;color:var(--bd-accent);letter-spacing:0.06em;text-transform:uppercase}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card h3{font-family:var(--bd-serif);font-weight:500;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;color:var(--bd-ink);letter-spacing:-0.01em;margin:0}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card-arrow{font-family:var(--bd-serif);font-style:italic;font-size:14px;color:var(--bd-accent);margin-top:auto;padding-top:4px}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(240px,1fr));gap:16px;margin-top:8px}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-card{padding:26px 28px;background:rgba(255,255,255,0.6);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.95);border-radius:22px;backdrop-filter:blur(20px);box-shadow:0 10px 40px rgba(42,36,56,0.04)}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-card .bd-prob-num{font-family:var(--bd-serif);font-style:italic;font-size:26px;color:var(--bd-accent);line-height:1}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-card h4{font-family:var(--bd-serif);font-weight:500;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;color:var(--bd-ink);letter-spacing:-0.01em;margin:10px 0 8px}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-card p{font-family:var(--bd-sans);font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.6;color:var(--bd-ink-soft,#5a5560);margin:0}\n.bd-brand>p:empty{display:none!important}\n.bd-brand>p{margin:0!important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-section{padding:48px 0 !important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-hero{padding-bottom:8px !important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-hero .bd-hero-meta{margin-bottom:0 !important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-dark{margin-top:24px !important;margin-bottom:24px !important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-final{padding-top:48px !important;padding-bottom:48px !important;margin-top:0 !important}\n@media (max-width:900px){html body .bd-brand .bd-section{padding:36px 0 !important}html body .bd-brand .bd-hero{padding-top:56px !important}html body .bd-brand .bd-eyebrow{margin-top:8px}}\n<\/style><section class=\"bd-hero\" style=\"padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-top:56px !important\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-eyebrow\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/ingredient\/\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:none\">Guide skincare - Ingredients<\/a><\/span><h1>Silicones in cosmetics - <em>danger or conventional wisdom?<\/em> according to a doctor and analyses by BeautyDecoders.<\/h1><p class=\"bd-hero-sub\">Silicones are polymers of silicon and oxygen, considered safe and low in toxicity. In skincare products, they improve texture, visually smooth the skin and limit water loss thanks to their occlusive effect. They have no deep action, but facilitate application. Reactions are rare; however, skins prone to acne, rosacea or milia may prefer to avoid them and cleanse their skin thoroughly.<\/p><div class=\"bd-hero-meta\"><div class=\"bd-hero-meta-item\"><span>Family<\/span><strong>Silicon polymers<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"bd-hero-meta-item\"><span>Role<\/span><strong>Texture ingredient, without deep action<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"bd-hero-meta-item\"><span>Profile<\/span><strong>Safe for all skin types except acne \/ rosacea \/ milia<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">The facts<\/span><h2>Widespread, <em>and controversial<\/em><\/h2><p class=\"bd-lead\">Among the thousands of cosmetic ingredients, silicone is one of the most widespread and controversial. Often perceived as artificial, chemical or even harmful, it raises many questions. Why is it present in so many products? Silicone is a polymer derived from natural compounds, made up of silicon and oxygen atoms, often combined with carbon or hydrogen, and renowned for its low toxicity and resistance to heat. Its occlusive properties, versatility and availability explain its widespread presence; unlike other synthetic components, it does not require chemical additions to remain stable.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">Role in the formula<\/span><h2>What are they for? <em>silicones<\/em><\/h2><p class=\"bd-lead\">Silicones have no direct active effect on the skin, but they do provide several textural and comfort benefits.<\/p><div class=\"bd-prob-grid\"><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">01<\/div><h4>Improve texture<\/h4><p>They provide a sensation of softness and visually smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - an optical effect, for the time of application.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">02<\/div><h4>Preserve moisture<\/h4><p>They form a protective film that limits transepidermal water loss, and can enhance the comfort of other ingredients in the formula.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">03<\/div><h4>Helps healing<\/h4><p>Silicone gels have been documented to improve the appearance of scars, a well-established use in dermatology.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">04<\/div><h4>Ease of application<\/h4><p>They improve product consistency and spreadability.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">The vexing question<\/span><h2>Silicones <em>are they dangerous?<\/em><\/h2><p class=\"bd-lead\">Despite their reputation, silicones are generally considered safe. Negative reactions are rare, except in the case of known allergies. However, they can be a problem for certain skin types: in cases of rosacea, acne, sensitive skin or a tendency to milia, it's best to limit their use, as their occlusive effect can keep pores clogged if the skin is poorly cleansed. Deep cleansing is essential to remove them properly. Note also that silicone at the start of a routine (in a serum, for example) can slightly hinder absorption of skincare products applied afterwards.<\/p><div class=\"bd-alert bd-alert-info\"><span class=\"bd-alert-icon\">\ud83d\udd0d<\/span><div><strong>Recognizing silicone on a label -<\/strong> On an INCI list, silicones often end with \u00ab-cone\u00bb, \u00ab-conol\u00bb, \u00ab-siloxane\u00bb or \u00ab-silanol\u00bb: dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethiconol, etc. The earlier they appear on the list, the higher their concentration. The earlier they appear in the list, the higher their concentration.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-dark\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">BeautyDecoded's opinion<\/span><h2>Or poison, <em>nor miracle ingredient<\/em><\/h2><div class=\"bd-dark-quote\"><strong>A useful and safe textural ingredient<\/strong><p>Silicone is neither the poison it's sometimes described as, nor an active ingredient with profound virtues: it's a texturizing ingredient, useful and safe for most skin types, provided you clean your skin thoroughly.<\/p><p>Acne-prone, sensitive or milia-prone skin may prefer silicone-free formulas, which are now widely available. The most important thing is to choose products suited to your skin, and to seek professional advice if in doubt.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section><!-- ===== CTA APP (bd-final standard) ===== --><section class=\"bd-final\" style=\"padding-top:48px !important;margin-top:0 !important\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><div class=\"bd-final-inner\"><div class=\"bd-section-label\">Further information<\/div><h2>Locate silicones in <em>your daily care<\/em>.<\/h2><p>The BeautyDecoded application lets you scan any cosmetic product to visualize its suitability for your skin type and needs, based on INCI analysis.<\/p><div class=\"bd-cta-wrap\" style=\"justify-content: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beautydecoded.go.link\/88eZ2\" class=\"bd-cta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover BeautyDecoded<\/a><\/div><div class=\"bd-cta-meta\" style=\"margin-top: 16px;\">Application available on iOS and Android<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">Frequently asked questions<\/span><h2>Your questions about <em>silicones<\/em><\/h2><div class=\"bd-faq-list\"><details class=\"bd-faq-item\"><summary>Do silicones clog pores?<\/summary><div class=\"bd-faq-answer\">Not directly: silicones are not comedogenic in themselves. But their occlusive effect can trap sebum and impurities if the skin is poorly cleansed, which can maintain imperfections in acne-prone skin. Good make-up removal is generally enough to avoid this problem.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"bd-faq-item\"><summary>Should I avoid silicones?<\/summary><div class=\"bd-faq-answer\">Not for most people: they are safe and enhance the comfort of the products. Acne-prone, sensitive, rosaceous or milia-prone skin may prefer to avoid them as a precaution. It's all a question of skin profile and personal preference.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"bd-faq-item\"><summary>Do silicones prevent active ingredients from penetrating?<\/summary><div class=\"bd-faq-answer\">A silicone applied at the end of the routine (in a cream) seals in the skincare products without causing any problems. On the other hand, in a product applied at the beginning of a routine, its slight occlusive effect can hinder absorption of subsequent skincare products: in this case, it's best to apply it after your active serums.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"bd-faq-item\"><summary>How to recognize a silicone-free product?<\/summary><div class=\"bd-faq-answer\">Check the INCI list: the absence of \u00ab-cone\u00bb, \u00ab-siloxane\u00bb, \u00ab-conol\u00bb or \u00ab-silanol\u00bb indicates a silicone-free product. Many marquess also state \u00absilicone-free\u00bb on the packaging.<\/div><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">Further information<\/span><h2>Others <em>associated guides<\/em><\/h2><div class=\"bd-hub-grid\"><a class=\"bd-hub-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/facial-care\/anti-acne-care\/\"><span class=\"bd-hub-card-tag\">Guide<\/span><h3>Anti-acne care<\/h3><span class=\"bd-hub-card-arrow\">Read the guide \u2192<\/span><\/a><a class=\"bd-hub-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/facial-care\/anti-redness-care\/\"><span class=\"bd-hub-card-tag\">Guide<\/span><h3>Anti-redness care<\/h3><span class=\"bd-hub-card-arrow\">Read the guide \u2192<\/span><\/a><a class=\"bd-hub-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/comedogenic-ingredients\/\"><span class=\"bd-hub-card-tag\">Guide<\/span><h3>Comedogenic ingredients<\/h3><span class=\"bd-hub-card-arrow\">Read the guide \u2192<\/span><\/a><a class=\"bd-hub-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/ingredient\/\"><span class=\"bd-hub-card-tag\">Guide<\/span><h3>All ingredients<\/h3><span class=\"bd-hub-card-arrow\">Read the guide \u2192<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/section><div class=\"bd-sig\"><strong>Dr Sylvain David<\/strong><span>Plastic and aesthetic surgeon - Founder of BeautyDecoded<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bd-disclaimer\"><p>Information for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation and must be adapted to each individual. Silicones are texture ingredients considered safe and non-toxic for most skin types, except for known allergies. Their occlusive effect can keep pores clogged on poorly cleansed skin: careful cleansing is recommended. Acne-prone, rosaceous, sensitive or milia-prone skin may prefer silicone-free formulas. In case of skin pathology or doubt, dermatological advice is recommended.<\/p><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Guide skincare - Ingredients Silicones in cosmetics - danger or misconception? according to a doctor and analyses by BeautyDecoders. Silicones are polymers of silicon and oxygen, considered safe and low in toxicity. In skincare products, they improve texture, visually smooth the skin and limit water loss thanks to...<\/p>","protected":false},"author":120,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"enable","_kad_post_title":"hide","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7242","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"Sylvain David","author_link":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/author\/beautydecoded\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/120"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7242"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74590,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7242\/revisions\/74590"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}