Pros
In hair products, silicones create a lightweight coating over each strand that temporarily gives high gloss and a silky feeling. They also help make detangling easier for coarser hair types. The hair serums featuring silicones smooth down the cuticle and allow hair to resist humidity and frizz by locking in moisture. The silicones form a protective barrier that strengthens the strands from heat damage.
In skin care, silicones are used as a slippery, lightweight base for active ingredients. The silicone stays on the surface as a protectant, while the important ingredients melt deeper. Silicone makeup primers also create a layer of protection on the top of skin by filling in crevices and smoothing out bumps. Despite the rumors, silicones DO NOT clog pores. The chemical makeup doesn't allow the ingredient to enter pores, merely sit on top.
Cons
So why do cones have a bad rap? While there are silicones that evaporate easily, some (like dimethicone) can be resistant to wash away, especially if you're layering a silicone-based conditioner, mask, and serum. In the end, the only thing that can remove the buildup is sulfate shampoo — and surfactants have their own set of issues. If you decide to go cone-free with your beauty routine, pure oils are an acceptable substitute.
- Amino Bispropyl Dimethicone
- Aminopropyl Dimethicone
- Amodimethicone
- Amodimethicone Hydroxystearate
- Behenoxy Dimethicone
- C24-28 Alkyl Dimethicone
- C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone
- C30-45 Alkyl Methicone
- Cetearyl Methicone
- Cetyl Dimethicone
- Cyclomethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Dimethicone
- Dimethicone Copolyol
- Dimethiconol
- Dimethoxysilyl Ethylenediaminopropyl Dimethicone
- Hexyl Methicone
- Hydroxypropyldimethicone
- Lauryl Methicone Copolyol
- Methicone
- Phenyl Trimethicones
- Polydimethylsiloxane
- Stearamidopropyl Dimethicone
- Stearoxy Dimethicone
- Stearyl Dimethicone
- Stearyl Methicone
- Sterile Dimethicone
- Trimethylsilylamodimethicone
- Vinyl Dimethicone
