Cyclomethicone is a common ingredient in the beauty industry. The products you can find it in run the gamut of deodorant and antiperspirants to sunscreens, hair care products, moisturizer, perfume and more. Let’s get into it!
What is it?
Cyclomethicone embodies both multiple and/or individual cyclic siloxane materials. It is derived from both silicon and oxygen. This ingredient is in the form of a clear liquid. It contains no alcohol and has no smell.
Why is it in my beauty products?
One of the benefits of cyclomethicone is its ability to provide a smooth texture that glides on skin in an oh-so-silky way. It won’t make you feel gross and oily or leave that strange tacky/sticky residue. It won’t enter your pores BUT it will spread evenly and distribute all of those lovely active ingredients. Beyond the of this, it is also being researched for products that may cause dry and irritated skin.
Why is it so effective in skincare?
Besides the smooth as silk glide-on ability, cyclomethicone also has large molecules. They are too big to penetrate the skin which means it will provide a nice and smooth texture to skin rather than getting instantly absorbed. Although it coats your skin and acts as a mild water repellant, it does not prevent active ingredients from being absorbed and doing their thing. As a matter of fact, cyclomethicone is a fantastic carrier for active ingredients because of this!
It also can help fill in those wrinkles and crow’s feet giving the illusion of a plumper and fuller skin.
You mentioned Cyclomethicone being used in products that cause dry skin?
Cyclomethicone is being used because it is believed to help with dry skin and even dry hair! If you feel you need help in this area, look for products that contain 5%-10% cyclomethicone. There is also a belief that it can help repair skin including acne scars. Furthermore, there is research being done as far as its effectiveness with psoriasis.
You might also find it in anti aging formulas since cyclomethicone is thought to trap moisture in while lubricating.
It’s used in perfume. Why?
It has an incredible ability to merge with many different oils and fragrances–which is exactly what a perfume needs!
And hair?
Just like with skin, it gives a silky feeling to your strands! Plus, it doesn’t weigh your hair down or turn you into a greasy hairball that the cat coughed up.
You’ve told us the good, now tell us the bad.
Look, cyclomethicone comes with a ton of benefits, especially if you have drier skin. However, watch out if you have sensitive skin–it has been known to cause minor skin and eye irritation. Patch testing products that contain this ingredient is a good idea!
Additionally, although it’s that water repelling, lubricating skin barrier that is great for helping active ingredients make its way into your skin, it also can help trap bacteria, oils, dirt, sebum, etc, under that barrier as well. This can obviously lead to break outs and more flare ups from allergic reactions.
In addition, cyclomethicone can replace petroleum based solvents which helps the ozone layer. Which is good but there have been other concerns about its effect on the environment and marine life. As a result, more testing is being done on this ingredient.
How much does the ingredient cost?
It’ll cost you about ten dollars for a pound’s worth.
Are you ready for a pop quiz? Ha, I hope you learned something and have a wonderful day!
Products that contain this ingredient:
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