Are Silicones in Cosmetics Bad for Your Skin? The Truth Behind the Myths

Silicones in Cosmetics — Friend or Foe?

Silicones are one of the most misunderstood ingredients in the beauty world. From viral TikToks to skincare forums, the question keeps popping up:

“Are silicones bad for your skin?”

At ISSADA, we believe in educating our community with facts — not fear. So let’s set the record straight.

What Are Silicones and Why Are They Used in Cosmetics?

Silicones are smooth, silky-feeling compounds derived from silica (a naturally occurring mineral found in sand). Common types you’ll see on ingredient lists include dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, and dimethicone crosspolymer.

In cosmetics, silicones:

Create a breathable, smoothing barrier on the skin
Improve makeup spreadability and longevity
Blur pores and fine lines
Lock in hydration without clogging pores

They’re especially popular in foundations, primers, BB creams, and post-procedure skincare.

The Science: Are Silicones Safe for Skin?

The short answer is Yes.

Silicones are:

Non-comedogenic (don’t clog pores)
Hypoallergenic
Too large molecularly to penetrate the skin or disrupt hormones
Widely approved by dermatologists and regulatory bodies including the TGA, FDA, and EU

They’re even used in medical-grade scar gels and eczema creams — a testament to their safety and effectiveness.

So Why the Bad Reputation?

Some people report breakouts or congestion after using silicone-based products, but this is typically due to:

Not cleansing thoroughly – especially at the end of a day when we all know we need to take our makeup off. Silicones can lock in water but if applied to unclean skin will also trap existing impurities on the skin. Applying excessive product underneath (causing product build-up) A coincidence — not the silicone itself

True silicone sensitivity or allergy is extremely rare. Studies show that fewer than 0.01% of users experience any reaction at all, and it's typically related to other ingredients or skin conditions.

Why ISSADA Uses Silicones (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

At ISSADA, we use medical-grade silicones like dimethicone and PEG-10 dimethicone in some of our high-performance products, including the newly reformulated Mineral Velvet Cream.

We choose silicones for:

Their luxurious skin-feel and instant smoothing effect
Their ability to create a long-lasting, breathable makeup base
Their compatibility with post-treatment, sensitive, or mature skin

We also balance silicones with skin-supportive ingredients like:

Triple hyaluronic acid (for hydration)
Retinyl palmitate (for collagen support)
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (for calming and protection)

Still Unsure About Silicones? Try This First:

Patch test any new product behind the jaw or ear
Start with a small sample or in-salon test application
Double cleanse at night to remove all makeup and sunscreen thoroughly
Consider your whole skincare routine — not just one ingredient

Silicones Are Not the Enemy — Misinformation Is

In the world of clean beauty, it’s easy to label ingredients as “good” or “bad”. But the truth is more nuanced.

Silicones, when formulated correctly, offer real skin benefits and they’re a critical part of performance-driven, safe, skin-loving makeup. At ISSADA, we’ll always choose ingredients based on efficacy, safety, and skin health — not fear-based marketing.

Key Takeaways

Silicones are safe, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-approved
Most negative reactions come from misuse or product layering, not silicones themselves
ISSADA uses cosmetic-grade, breathable silicones in carefully balanced formulas
Products like Mineral Velvet Cream are ideal for sensitive, mature, or post-treatment skin
If in doubt, test, cleanse well, and ask questions!

FAQs

1. Are silicones bad for acne-prone skin?

No, silicones are non-comedogenic and can actually help reduce irritation by forming a protective barrier. The key is proper cleansing.

2. Can silicones clog pores?

Not directly. But if applied over unclean skin or layered with heavy products, they can trap debris. Always cleanse thoroughly.

3. Are silicones natural?

They’re synthetic but derived from silica, a naturally occurring mineral. That said, “natural” isn’t always better or safer — it depends on formulation.

4. Why do silicones feel so smooth on the skin?

Because they form a breathable film that fills in fine lines and uneven texture, giving a silky finish that improves makeup wear.

5. Should I avoid silicones in my skincare?

Not necessarily. If your skin tolerates them well and you’re happy with the results, there’s no reason to cut them out.