SILICONES - The Ugly Truth

SILICONES - The Ugly Truth

Silicone based ingredients can be used in products as an emulsifier to help combine other substances, and an emollient to soften or smooth the skin surface. They can also help control the thickness of a skincare product's formulation, help hold and retain moisture or reduce static. They are a relatively inexpensive ingredient.

Unlike natural ingredients, there can be concern that the short term skincare or sensory fix does not benefit the user long-term. As inert substances they cannot nourish the skin.

Henley Naturals products DO NOT contain silicones, we only use natural ingredients that are hand-blended, and our circular economy ensures that our ingredients and packaging do not end up in our waterways and oceans, therefore polluting the environment.

Everything you need to know about silicones and the effects on your skin

Have you ever picked up a cream or foundation and after applying it to your skin it instantly has a soft, slippery feel?

What are Silicones?

Silicone is the commercial name commonly used for polymers composed of siloxanes.

It is not a natural ingredient as it is synthetic and has chemical additives. Silicone is derived from silica and other elements and while it is technically made from natural ingredients they undergo a chemical process when combined. 

Silicones are an oil-like cosmetic ingredient used widely in the hair and beauty industry across the globe. 

In many cases that soft feel is not from improving your skin but actually from the silicon in the products. 

Many cosmetic companies use silicone because it gives a false feeling of skin improvement and smoothness and is cheaper than natural ingredients.

Some silicones are non-biodegradable or not fully biodegradable, meaning that when you wash them down the drain they can build up in the environment and may take hundreds of years to break down. 

Silicone is bad for the environment

Silicone is not good for the Earth because it is not biodegradable and is non-recyclable. Silicone is similar to rubber and plastic. It takes a very very long time to decompose. 

Silicone is a chemical and is not natural

The silicone in products is modified into many different formulas. Silicone goes through a chemical process which makes it synthetic.

Silicone clogs your pores

It tarps everything like bacteria, impurities, dirt and sebum in your skin by forming a barrier on the skin. 

Silicone also causes pores to enlarge, and can also encourage blackheads and acne to form. It can affect the natural process of sweating which can lead to blemishes forming. It does not let your skin breathe!

Silicone can dehydrate your skin

It prevents moisture from getting into your skin which can affect your skins barrier. This can dry out your skin and cause it to be dull. When your skin’s moisture barrie becomes damaged and unbalanced. Having dehydrated skin can cause fine lines, wrinkles, flakiness and dullness. 

It does not support skin health

It does not have any benefits for your skin and does not have any antioxidant properties at all. Silicones can accelerate ageing. 

Silicone is difficult to remove from the skin

Silicon leaves a residue coating on the skin because it can be very heavy. 

It can start building up on your skin, get into your pores and cause your skin harm. You could be washing  your skin and not even realise that there is still a silicone residue left on your skin.

Silicones will be listed in words ending in ‘cone’ on the ingredient list, e.g Dimethicone. Silicones are a water-insoluble ingredient, meaning they are hard to dissolve and wash out.