Glossary
A class of synthetic polymers (dimethicone, cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane) widely used in skincare and cosmetics as emollients, primers, and film-formers. Silicones create a smooth, silky skin feel and fill fine lines visually but are debated for their occlusive properties and environmental impact.
Silicones are synthetic polymers based on a silicon-oxygen backbone. In skincare, they serve as emollients (creating a smooth, silky skin feel), occlusives (forming a breathable barrier that reduces water loss), primers (filling fine lines and creating a smooth base for makeup), and delivery vehicles (helping other ingredients spread evenly). Dimethicone is the most common, appearing in thousands of products from moisturizers to foundations to hair conditioners.
The persistent claim that silicones "clog pores" or "suffocate skin" is not well-supported by evidence. Dimethicone has a comedogenic rating of 1 (very low) in standard testing. The molecular structure of most skincare silicones is too large to penetrate into pores. Dermatological studies have shown that dimethicone-based products do not increase acne or comedone formation compared to silicone-free alternatives. The "barrier" that silicones create is permeable to water vapor and oxygen, so the "suffocation" claim is physiologically inaccurate.
Environmental persistence: Silicones do not biodegrade readily. Cyclomethicone (D4, D5) has been restricted in the EU due to environmental persistence in waterways. Dimethicone is more resistant to environmental degradation than natural alternatives (beeswax, plant oils), raising sustainability concerns. Buildup: On hair (not skin), silicones can accumulate over time, requiring clarifying shampoo to remove. This is primarily a hair care issue, not a facial skincare concern.
Our products do not contain silicones, not because silicones are unsafe for skin (the evidence does not support that claim), but because we do not need them. Beeswax, shea butter, and natural oils provide the same emollient, occlusive, and smoothing functions that silicones deliver, using ingredients that are biodegradable, sustainably sourced, and aligned with our natural formulation philosophy.
For most people, no. Silicones are safe, well-tolerated, and non-comedogenic. If you have a specific sensitivity to silicones, prefer natural formulations, or have environmental sustainability concerns, silicone-free products are widely available. But the decision should be based on personal values, not fear of pore-clogging (which is not supported by evidence).
Dimethicone is a non-volatile silicone that stays on the skin, providing lasting emollient and occlusive effects. Cyclomethicone (cyclopentasiloxane) is volatile: it evaporates after application, leaving behind a silky feel without lasting residue. Cyclomethicone is used in products designed to feel lightweight and dry quickly.
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