I pulled myself together and wrote
I talk about what silicones are, why they are good/bad and how they are eaten and used.

What are silicones?

Silicones are a whole group of very promising synetic polymers (silicon-organic compounds) that are used in medicine, cosmetology and cosmetics.

Origin

Silicone is made from quartz (common natural sand is quartz) and methanol.
English silicon means "silicon".
Lat. silex – stone – silicium.
That's where the name comes from.

Advantages of silicones in cosmetics

1. Gives softness and silkiness texture of the product (when you test the foundation and it blends into the most delicate silk coating on the skin, most likely this foundation is silicone-based). Reduce stickiness and improve distribution of cosmetics on the skin.

2. Helps retain moisture in the skin.

3. Improve appearance skin by leveling its surface, they make it smooth, soft and velvety, filling out wrinkles.
Please note that after you wash off the silicone, the skin will return to its previous condition. And yet.

4. Soften skin and protect from external negative factors.

5. Even distribution mascara, mirror shine lipsticks and lip glosses, the pore-hiding effect of makeup bases is the merit of silicones.

6. Form a film on the surface of the hair, which protects against exposure environment. Silicones also glue split ends of hair.

7. Chemically inert and are not a breeding ground for bacteria and do not penetrate the skin. They are a replacement for fats in cosmetics.

8. Used in the treatment of wounds and improve the appearance of scars.

Disadvantages of silicones and rumors

1. Carcinogenicity.
This is a rumor that arose after the increased popularity of silicone implants, you know where.
According to research, there is no connection between cancer and silicone.

2. Silicone prevents the skin from breathing, clogs pores.
This is partly true, there is also a question of the amount and sensitivity of the skin. Silicones are permanent residents of various lists of “comedogenic substances”. See for yourself, if your skin responds well to silicones, you are in luck. If not, choose cosmetics that contain ingredients ending -cone either not at all, or they are in the middle-end of the list(there are few of them in percentage terms).

I had a negative skin reaction to Lancome Genefique silicone, but I don’t have it to foundations with silicone.
The fact is that harmful bacteria multiply better under the silicone film. There is also an opinion that if the skin reacts poorly to some component of the cream, the silicone film enhances this reaction.

3. On our own Silicones do not heal the skin, they help other substances in cosmetics work more efficiently.

4. Silicones accumulate in the hair.
Yes, they accumulate if you regularly and for a very long time use shampoo, conditioner, mask and leave-in care and all with silicone. Then, over time, the appearance of the hair may deteriorate (the hair becomes heavier and grows worse). The solution is simple - sometimes wash your hair with shampoos without silicones :) Or use shampoos without silicones. It is necessary that silicones do not get on the scalp and form a film on it. Film on the hair itself is good and beautiful, but on the scalp it is harmful.

Examples of names of silicones in cosmetics

most popular - Dimethicone
anti-foam agent, protects, softens and cares for the skin

Cuclomethicone
antistatic, softens and cares for hair, has hygroscopic and dissolving properties, controls viscosity and stickiness

Dimethiconol
anti-foam agent, conditioning-softening agent, humectant

Methicone
creates a caring film on the hair, improves the surface, antistatic, has softening properties

Phenyl Trimethicone
anti-foaming agent, creates a caring film on the hair

As you may have noticed, most silicones have the ending -cone

What conclusion can be drawn?

Silicones should not be feared and superstitiously avoided in cosmetics. Be careful with the products you use and use them wisely.

I would be glad if someone in the comments adds to the post or corrects me.
Thank you!

Thanks to beautypedia.com and cosmeticsdatabase.com for objective data

5 facts about the “terrible harm” of silicones

Repetition is the mother of learning.
I have already written about this, but questions on this topic arise on the Internet every day.

Silicones are oxygen-containing high-molecular organosilicon compounds. Their various types are used in a huge number of hair and skin care products, as well as in decorative cosmetics. Let's look at the harmful properties of silicones point by point:

Silicone is toxic and carcinogenic. There is an opinion that silicones are a poison that can harm the body by being absorbed into the blood through the skin. This is a common myth. In fact, they are a biologically and physiologically inert substance, that is, they do not enter into any reactions with living organisms. At the same time, silicones are absolutely non-toxic and are not a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why they are so widely used in medicine. Medical silicone is precisely used for the production of skin care cosmetics.

Silicone prevents the skin from breathing. In fact, they actually create a film on the surface of the skin, hiding the pores. But at the same time, silicone molecules allow air to pass through, that is, they do not interfere with the skin’s breathing.

Silicone is a comedogenic substance. Yes, like any substance left on the surface of the skin (waxes, oils, petroleum jelly, glycerin), it can contribute to the appearance of comedones if the skin is not properly cleansed. In this case, the cause of comedones is your skin care (or lack of care), and not silicone as such.

Silicone accumulates in the hair, making it brittle. Yes, it really tends to accumulate on the surface of the hair and even the scalp. But it is not capable of making hair brittle, since it itself is elastic. The maximum harm from the accumulation of silicones is that your hair will look greasy and unwashed. Therefore, if you use hair products with silicones, you need to apply them 1-2 cm away from the hair roots, and you also need to use a deep cleansing shampoo at least once a month.

Cosmetics with silicones are absolutely useless and only give visible results. Silicones, by themselves, do not have caring properties and do not bring any benefits to hair and skin. But they are only auxiliary substances in cosmetics. It may also contain useful vitamins, microelements, oils that provide care, moisturize and heal. Therefore, before you give up on cosmetics when you see silicone in the composition, look at where it is located and pay attention to the other ingredients. It’s also worth thinking about – what effect do you want to achieve? If it's crazy volume and shine of hair or unsurpassed durability of makeup, then silicones are simply an indispensable component. Remember - silicones in cosmetics are only auxiliary substances that do not perform any functions in themselves.

Why are silicones added to cosmetics? The fact is that they have a number of properties that simply have no analogues in total. Let's check them out!

So, silicones:
- prevent moisture loss;
- smooth the surface of the skin and hair;
- protect from external factors;
- ensure uniform distribution of cosmetics;
- give the products the necessary texture and consistency;
- provide durability and moisture resistance of cosmetics;
- resistant to sudden temperature changes and UV radiation;
- add shine, elasticity and volume to the hair and matteness to the skin.

In terms of their properties, cosmetics without silicones can be identical, but it is silicones that give long-lasting, good texture, provide external grooming when applied decorative cosmetics.

Here is a short list of silicones that are most often found in cosmetics and their properties:
Dimethicone – used as an antifoaming agent and emollient;
Methicone – forms a film, smoothes the surface, antistatic;
Dimethiconol – antifoam agent, softener;
Cyclomethicone - antistatic, also used to give the product the necessary texture and consistency;
Phenyl Trimethicone – forms a film, softens.

Why are silicones called harmful or useless?

Some household and professional cosmetic brands write about “innovative technologies” that can instantly thicken hair, mend split ends and even out skin. In fact, the whole innovation of these products lies in the silicone content. When you wash off such cosmetics, the entire visual effect disappears, and you get the feeling that things have only gotten worse. Especially silicones for hair create a temporary cosmetic effect. Naturally, the disappointment of consumers expecting immediate long-term results is growing like a snowball, reinforced by the ubiquitous propaganda about the dangers of silicone.

It’s up to you to decide whether to use silicone-containing products or not; the article dispelled myths about the irreparable harm they cause to the body. Choose your cosmetics wisely and you will achieve the best results.

Thank you! Very informative interesting article! I'm tired of listening to opinions that silicones in creams are either miraculous or the first enemy of the skin. I am for reasonable use.

I am against silicone-containing cosmetics - why overload the skin with ballast?

I use shampoo with silicones - it adds shine and shine to my hair. Why should I give it up if, as long as I use it, my hair is great?

Have you tried treating your hair?

Girls, has no one taught human anatomy? The first and main obstacle to the rejection of cosmetics with silicones is the human skin itself, because these are molecules foreign to it!

Silicone provides only a visual cosmetic effect of smooth hair. It does not strengthen the hair at all, but, on the contrary, makes it more fragile, brittle, and dull. The silicone “capsule” prevents nutrients from penetrating the scalp and hair. This disrupts natural metabolic processes and interferes with the normal circulation of oxygen and blood. With long-term use of products containing silicone, this substance accumulates in the hair shaft. As a result, the curls, instead of their former shine, acquire a dull color, a sloppy appearance and are difficult to style. Moreover, it does not matter what kind of silicone we are talking about - they all have a harmful effect on the hair.

What are you saying? Look at the composition of silicone, what harmful effects are we talking about?

The information is very useful, but I’m just wondering, should I be careful of this silicone if it’s everywhere now?

When, for example, a makeup base is stuffed with silicone, this is quite justified (although if it is applied daily to the entire surface of the skin of the face, the question of “uselessness” arises acutely), lipstick without silicone will also be applied to the lips like plasticine, and the sensations will be the same. same. But! The same lipstick with an excess of silicone (tested and proven), firstly, will also create discomfort due to excessive “oilyness” and “slipperiness” (at the same time, most likely, it will smear with a bang), and secondly, such a lipstick really It will successfully dry out your lips - the effect of the silicone film has not been canceled. And in skincare cosmetics, in general, an excess of silicone, in my opinion, contradicts its intended purpose - skin care. After all, the cream should not only please with its application and distribution (thanks to silicones), but also perform its direct functions - moisturizing, nutrition, and so on. And excess silicone, creating a film on the skin, interferes with its natural exfoliation and cell respiration. This is where the harm of silicone lies. And here, as much as you want, you can introduce vitamins and extracts, but the effect will be significantly leveled, and silicone itself does not have a caring effect. In general, I think that a reduced silicone content in skin care cosmetics (that is, a balanced and high-quality composition, rather than a cheap composition with a “showy” effect) is much preferable.

Nonsense about the dangers of silicones is ordered by adherents of naturalness and poor people who cannot afford high-quality cosmetics with high-quality silicones.

There is nothing in silicones that would cause them harm. There is oxygen there!

Rust also contains oxygen, so smear your face with rust.

I found information about the composition of silicone on the Internet, since I was so drunk. Silicone is a polymer that consists of silicone and oxygen (-Si-O-Si-O- - and so on many times). From a chemical point of view, it is more correct to call them siloxanes or polysiloxanes. Since silicone has as many as 4 bonds, the other two are radicals of different groups (methyl, ethyl, phenyl). There are compounds in nature that contain silicon. This is the well-known quartz or sand. It is formed from silicon dioxide, which can be obtained by burning silicon. Previously, it was dioxide that was used as a cleanser and as peeling for various cosmetic purposes. Silicic acids are the same dioxide, but saturated with hydrogen (or water). It is also used in cosmetology, for example, it is contained in horsetail extract and, thanks to the silicic acids in its composition, it strengthens hair, nails and skin. Unlike quartz or silicic acids, silicones are a completely synthetic compound. They are very easy to spot in the composition, since most of them have the suffix -con- in their names. In English-language literature they are often called that.

Cool! If silicones in face creams ensure their high cost, why not pour sand into the cream and smear it on? The effect is the same.

I don't use cosmetics with silicones. Creams are heavy for me, my skin doesn’t breathe, comedones appear, and my hair becomes heavy. This kind of cosmetics doesn't suit me.

I prefer cosmetics with natural ingredients.

They came up with their nonsense that silicones are harmful. The harm of silicone to hair, for example, has not been proven, but it beneficial features obvious.
Moisturizing hair. Yes, you didn't think so. If your shampoo contains silicone, it helps to moisturize your hair after you have removed the oils from it with a harsh detergent. Silicones seem to take their place, and the hair no longer feels so lonely and naked. Another thing is that instead of silicones in shampoos you can include natural oils. It will probably cost more.
They protect hair from harmful factors. This is mainly thermal exposure, but also UV radiation. The same nasty film on the hair prevents hair scales from clinging to each other and does not aggravate the problem of brittleness and split ends. Shampoo without silicones does not have such properties.
Silicones help solve some aesthetic problems: they add shine to hair, make it straighter, softer, more manageable, and sometimes even heal split ends.
Prevents split ends. After all, hair splits from not very gentle handling: combing tangled hair can cost the appearance of many double ends. If silicone helps to do this without harsh mechanical impact, the ends will breathe a sigh of relief.
Silicone is not a hair treatment. This is primarily an improvement in their appearance. But don't forget that when used correctly, silicone can help prevent some hair problems.

The dangers of silicones in cosmetics are complete nonsense. They are also inert substances.

May be. But by this method of elimination, I have already realized many things about myself: I need shampoos with SLS, but no washes, mineral oil in cream is not allowed in summer and spring, in winter only at minus 25, when the skin can burst, alcohol in creams, tonics welcome. I know there is a lot more, but I have just begun to study the reaction to the most popular harmful components.

Regarding shampoos and conditioners without silicones, this is exactly what they write: the protective film is washed off and the hair begins to break, dry out, etc., but then it becomes possible to treat it. Nothing breaks for me, but they look so-so. I’ve been using silicone-free ones for a long time, I started before pregnancy, it’s been more than 2 years now, but I’m not happy with the look. Although before this I had not complained about the condition of my hair - it lived wonderfully with silicones and I did not notice any increased hair loss. So I’m sitting and thinking - I want professional cosmetics with silicones - and on you - beauty. But my inner cockroach protests, I’m already used to straight women.

Actually, there is food grade silicone, you can eat it.

Do not eat, but store food products in food grade silicone products. All.

Mainly dimethicone in the composition - it is indelible. It’s possible, but after silicone the hair is so shiny. I have been using silicone-free products for a long time, but my hair, of course, is growing, but not so smooth and shiny in length. What do you use?

Silicone is good for hair! It's a bit heavy for the skin.

Hair lamination is done with silicones. So the hair is gorgeous afterwards! I agree with the author that the harm of silicones is largely far-fetched.

In general, lamination immediately gives good results, but repeated hair breaks. This is due precisely to the weight of the hair. The hair breaks off at the root - and this is not good. Is silicone the reason for this - partly yes. It ensures poor washout of lamination from hair. This is a plus for him, since the result of lamination lasts a long time, since due to weak washing out, there is a strong weighting of the hair after repeated lamination.

I have been using liquid silicone for a long time as a product against split ends. The results are great, my hair stopped splitting altogether.

Stop using liquid silicone and look at the effect. This is not an option.

In principle, silicone is not bad, but only in moderation. It provides water resistance, heat protection, shine, detangling and more. Normal professional cosmetics contain it in moderation. I can't say anything good about lamination.

[b]How do you feel about cosmetics

Silicones make the texture of the product soft and silky. If you're testing out a foundation and it glides on very easily, it's likely made with silicone. Silicones also reduce the stickiness of the product.

Cosmetics with silicones make the skin smoother and improve its appearance. However, it is worth noting that after you wash off this product, the appearance of the skin will return to its original state.

Silicone in mascara ensures its even distribution on the eyelashes, and silicones in lipsticks and lip glosses give a stunning mirror shine.

Silicone in shampoos provides protection to hair - a silicone film envelops each hair and “glues” split ends. It is equally important that silicones are not a breeding ground for bacteria and can be an excellent alternative to fats.

Disadvantages of cosmetics with silicones

Silicone film prevents the skin from breathing. If you use cosmetics that contain silicones, you must thoroughly cleanse your skin of product residues.

Using shampoos with silicone can lead to the accumulation of this substance in the hair, causing the hair to become heavier and grow slower. To reduce the negative impact of shampoo with silicone on your hair, you need to thoroughly rinse it with shampoos without silicone.

It is also worth paying attention to the percentage of silicones in cosmetics. A product that contains no more than 45% silicones is considered safe.

Groups of silicones in shampoos

Trideceth-12, Dimethicone Copolyo, Dimethicone copolyol/HWP, Hydroxypropyl, Polysiloxane, Lauryl methicone copolyol - easily washed off with water and does not accumulate.

Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone - these silicones do not wash off with water. It is quite difficult to wash out of hair; you need to use special shampoos.

Cetearyl methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone - practically do not wash out, special ones should be used regularly.

Silicones in facial cosmetics cause constant controversy regarding their benefits and harm to the skin. To understand whether it is worth purchasing care products containing silicones, you need to learn more about their properties.

Silicone can be beneficial for the face

Myths about the dangers of silicone in face cream

Silicones are a group of synthetic compounds that contain oxygen. They are also called neutral synthetic fats. They are widely used in hair and skin care cosmetics, as well as decorative cosmetics. There are several common opinions about the dangers of silicones, each of which is worth considering separately to figure out whether it is true or a myth.

This is a poison that is absorbed into the skin. In fact, silicone is a completely inert substance that does not react with the skin. It is completely non-toxic, does not cause irritation or allergies, and bacteria do not multiply in it.

It blocks oxygen, preventing the skin from breathing. Silicones do form a film on the body, but it does not trap air molecules, which means it does not prevent the skin from breathing normally.

Has a comedogenic effect. This is true, since silicone closes pores, like many other substances: oils, glycerin and the like. Therefore, the skin needs to be thoroughly cleansed if there is a tendency for comedones to appear.

With regular deep cleaning this problem will not arise.

Silicone in cosmetics renders them useless. This substance itself really does not have any caring effect. But it retains moisture on the surface of the skin and serves as a “transport” for other beneficial ingredients contained in the cream.

Benefits of silicone in cream

What role do silicones play in face creams:

• Slows down the evaporation of moisture.
• Smoothes the skin.
• Protect from harmful external influences.
• Promote a more uniform distribution of the cream.
• Improves the texture of the product, making it pleasantly silky.
• They do not leave a feeling of stickiness or oiliness on the skin and make it matte.
• Extend shelf life.

If you use the cream in reasonable quantities and do not forget to deep clean your skin, silicone will be beneficial for your facial skin.

Silicones(from English - silicone) is a group of synthetic polymers that are actively used in construction, medicine and cosmetology. Silicone is produced from quartz (in its natural form it is sand) and methanol. Solid silicone is used in medicine for the manufacture of prosthetics and various coatings for medical instruments. In the cosmetics industry, silicone is used as a “softener”. Silicones are resistant to strong temperature changes, do not oxidize or deform over time, and are tasteless, colorless and odorless.

The benefits and harms of silicones

Silicones even out the surface of the skin, making it smooth, soft and velvety, as well as. But this effect is temporary: it lasts while the makeup is on your face, but as soon as you wash it off, the skin will return to its original state.

Silicone creates an invisible protective film on the surface of the skin and hair, which protects them from negative impact external factors, but at the same time prevents the penetration useful substances into the skin and into the hair. Silicones in decorative cosmetics improve distribution on the skin: foundation with silicone creates a silky coating, mascara is ideally distributed on eyelashes, evens out the skin and “erases” pores from the face.

Due to the popularity of silicone implants, silicones have begun to be associated with cancer. But a couple of years ago, Danish scientists conducted a study, the results of which revealed that silicone implants do not increase the risk of developing cancer, but, on the contrary, reduce the risk of cancer. Cancer problems are diagnosed in those who sunbathe topless with an artificial bust.

If you use silicones in large quantities, it can cause clogged pores. In optimal quantities, they do not interfere with the skin’s ability to “breathe.” Silicones can also accumulate in hair follicles if you use hair products containing silicones regularly and for a long time. Also, silicone film can provoke increased proliferation of bacteria in the pores and cause new inflammations.

Main properties of silicones

gives hair smoothness, silkiness, evens out the surface of the skin, eliminates the feeling of stickiness after applying cosmetics;
form a film on the skin that protects against the harmful effects of UV rays and hard water;
soften the skin and help retain moisture and beneficial elements in it, covering it with a film;
improve the distribution of decorative cosmetics;
create very stable cosmetic formulas and make the texture of cosmetics silky.

What products contain silicones?

skincare cosmetics (face creams, milk, tonics, body butters);
decorative cosmetics (powders, foundation creams, primers, lipsticks, mascaras);
hair care products (shampoos, balms, sprays);
;
bath foam.

How to find it on the label?

Look on the product label for words ending with -cone. For example, Dimethicone(the most popular silicone), Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Methicone. Dimethicone is primarily used in facial skin care products, while other silicones can be found in hair care products.

We told you all about silicones. As you can see, you shouldn’t be afraid of them or avoid them altogether. Just be careful with them. Stay with I WANT so you don’t miss the next material in the “ABC of Beauty” series. See you next Friday!