Why should you avoid silicones in your skincare?

As more and more people begin their search for cleaner, the demand for healthier skin care products that do not use toxic chemicals such as parabens and sulfates has increased. Other commonly used ingredients are being reconsidered as well– especially silicones. 

Throughout the years, silicone became a very popular ingredient in skin care because of its slick and smooth texture, and its ability to provide a substantial barrier for the skin. While these properties may seem good on the surface, it is a whole different story when considering the actual health of your skin and the environment. 

To be frank, science says that silicones do not provide any real, measurable benefits to the skin. They do not improve the skin, and actually just sit on the surface; that is to say, as soon as the product with silicone is washed off, so are all of the “benefits” that it came with. 

THE UNDENIABLE NEGATIVES OF SILICONE

Silicones tend to be incredibly hard to wash away, as one of their main properties is to repel water. When silicone stays on the face for an extended period of time, it can lock in all of the things that you do not want stuck on your face including sebum, oil, dirt, and dead skin cells to name a few. It creates a tough barrier that traps these bad substances, and can lead to breakouts. 

In addition to the overwhelmingly negative effects silicone can have on the skin, it is also worth mentioning how bad it is for the environment. Silicone is the farthest thing from eco-friendly, being that it is one of the leading causes of pollution buildup in the oceans.

Similar to microplastics, silicone takes hundreds of years to break down, which is damaging for the health of the environment. We certainly do not need to continue using more products that add onto the environmental crisis that we are currently experiencing. Clean and health-focused products that benefit us and reduce harm to the environment should be at the forefront of our skincare goals. 

SPOTTING SILICONES IN SKINCARE 

There are a few keywords that can help you identify when silicones were used in a product of yours– it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with these words if avoiding silicones is something that you want to do in the future. 

• Dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane)
• Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane
• Amodimethicone
• Cyclotetrasiloxane 
• Cyclopentasiloxane 
• Cyclohexasiloxane
• Cyclomethicone

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

Empress Naturals Anti-Aging Face Serum

This serum includes a luxurious blend of rosehip seed oil and essential frankincense oil, which are famously known for their anti-aging powers.

Compared to serums with silicones, Empress’s organic and gentle approach to skincare is much better for the long term health of the skin. While similar products with silicones clog pores, lock in impurities, and don’t actually benefit the skin, our all natural anti-aging serum fights the causes of aging before they happen to preserve your most youthful and healthy complexion.

Our high quality ingredients strengthen the skin barrier, and rejuvenate skin cells from within. 

Empress Luxe Night Elixir

The Empress Luxe Night Elixir is an extremely lightweight product that effortlessly melts into the skin, leaving you with a hydrated plump skin barrier.

Many other products utilize silicones because of their supposed ability to retain youthful looking skin, but Empress Naturals takes a healthier and all-natural route to achieve even better results.

A delicious blend of USDA certified organic oils (sunflower oil, rosehip oil, coconut oil, geranium oil, vitamin E and lavender oil) gently fight the issues of aging such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, dark spots, and more. 

Buffalo Gal Every Day Glow Resurface Hydrating Gelly Mask

This hydrating gelly mask gives skin a radiant glow and soft finish. It serves as a powerful barrier for freshly exfoliated skin while providing a cooling feeling to soothe inflamed skin. Instead of relying on silicones it uses fruit enzymes and aloe. 

Organic and Clean Skincare by Empress Naturals

At Empress Naturals, we believe in year-round skin nourishment, healing, and repair. Our Rosehip Oil-based skincare line is meticulously formulated by industry experts that cater to the specific needs of mature and aging skin ensuring ageless radiance and luminous skin.

Our Hero products - Anti-aging Day Serum and Luxe Night Elixir Serum are all you need to cover the essentials when it comes to aging skin.