Silicones and Their Types: What You Should Know About These Ingredients in Cosmetics

May 16, 2025

Silicones are among the most common ingredients in cosmetic products. You’ll find them in facial creams, makeup primers, serums, foundations, hair care, body care, and even decorative cosmetics. But despite their popularity, they stir up a lot of debate: some consider them a must-have, while others avoid them entirely.

So, what exactly are silicones? What types are there, and how do they affect the skin and hair?

What Are Silicones?

Silicones are synthetic polymers derived from silicon — a mineral found in sand. In cosmetics, they serve several functions:

Smooth the texture of skin or hair
Provide slip and glide (e.g., in creams or serums)
Create a water-repellent film
Reduce stickiness
Add shine

Thanks to these properties, creams apply easily, foundations glide over the skin, hair looks silky, and lipsticks last longer.

Types of Silicones in Cosmetics

Not all silicones are the same. They differ in how they behave on the skin or hair — and most importantly, how easily they wash off.

1. Water-Soluble Silicones

These silicones rinse off with water, don’t leave residue, and don’t build up in pores or on the skin’s surface. They’re considered the lightest and least problematic.

Common examples:

Dimethicone Copolyol
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Lauryl Methicone Copolyol
Bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone

🔹 Often found in serums, lightweight creams, and sulfate-free hair products.

2. Volatile (Evaporating) Silicones

These evaporate from the skin or hair after application, leaving a smooth, pleasant texture without buildup. Common in decorative cosmetics (especially primers) and heat-protection products.

Examples:

Cyclopentasiloxane
Cyclohexasiloxane
Cyclomethicone
Hexamethyldisiloxane

🔹 Suitable for oily or combination skin as they are lightweight and don’t clog pores.

3. Non-Soluble (Heavy) Silicones

These are the ones most often criticized. They don’t rinse off with water, can remain on the skin or hair, accumulate, and form a film. This film may block normal skin “breathing” and worsen hair condition over time without proper cleansing.

Common types:

Dimethicone
Trimethicone
Cetearyl Methicone
Cetyl Dimethicone
Phenyl Trimethicone
Stearyl Dimethicone

🔹 Found in rich creams, foundations, primers, products for dry skin, and those that create a glossy finish.

How to Recognize Silicones in Ingredients Lists

🔍 Look for ingredients ending in:

-cone (e.g., Dimethicone)
-conol (e.g., Dimethiconol)
-siloxane (e.g., Cyclopentasiloxane)

The closer these appear to the beginning of the ingredient list, the higher their concentration in the product.

Should You Avoid Silicones Completely?

Not necessarily. It depends on your skin type, goals, and the effect you want. For example:
✔ Volatile silicones are great for a smooth base before makeup.
✔ Water-soluble silicones work well in lightweight hydrating formulas.
✖ Heavy silicones are best avoided for daily use, especially if you have issues like acne, oiliness, or clogged pores.

It’s also important to cleanse your skin regularly — double cleansing, enzyme powders, or exfoliating toners can help remove silicone residue and prevent buildup.

Silicones in cosmetics are neither inherently “good” nor “bad” — they’re simply tools. Like any ingredient, it’s important to understand what you're using, how often, and for what purpose. Not all silicones are harmful, and not all are necessary. Make informed choices, listen to your skin — and your cosmetics will truly work for you, not just create a surface illusion.