Silicones are not only used in skin products but have long been used in hair formulations in shampoos, conditioners and styling products. They have the ability to repair the surface of damaged hair, coating it to make it soft and smooth, and imparting extra shine. Additionally, resin blends have been shown to be excellent detergents. Silicones also stay in place to help strengthen hair and prevent further damage and moisture.
Although they cannot be called “natural,” they are derived from natural ingredients and are bioinert and degradable. They are also suitable for vegan products and are not derived from palm oil. They also generally perform better than natural oils and waxes. For example, vegetable, nut and seed oils have smaller molecules, meaning they can penetrate the skin and clog pores, while silicone molecules are too large to be absorbed, making them non-comedogenic. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology believes that silicone-based cosmetics may help people with cystic acne and rosacea.
When you consider their many benefits, it’s no wonder silicones are on the labels of so many beauty products, and they’ve been used for so long. Not bad for something to start life on the beach.
