Moisturizer Ingredients In Skin Care Products
Silicone and silicone-derived ingredients
- silicone
- dimethicone
- cyclomethicone
- Dimethicone Copolyol
- Simethicone
Dimethicone ingredient functions as a skin/hair conditioner, anti-foaming agent and emollient. Like most silicones, this ingredient has a unique fluidity that makes it easily spreadable. When applied to the skin, its known for creating a subtle gloss that feels smooth and silky to touch. It also acts a mild water repellent by forming a protective barrier on the skin, and can fill in fine lines/wrinkles on the face, giving it a temporary “plump” look. The cosmetic industry values this ingredient for its ability to impart a non-greasy emollience that makes the skin/hair look smooth and silky. It’s known to provide a less greasy feel than standard silicones without sacrificing any of its lubrication properties. As a heavier silicone, it’s often used in conjunction with lighter silicones that help better deliver it to the skin/hair, such as cyclopentasiloxane. This is particularly true when it comes to conditioning hair care products. It can be found in avariety of personal care products such as facial moisturizer/lotion, mascara, anti-frizz treatment, anti-aging treatment, sunscreen, shampoo/conditioner, styling gel and foundation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)has approved its use as a “skin protectant” ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) drug products. Furthermore, the Cosmetic Ingredient review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed the data surrounding dimethicone, and assessed it as safe to use in personal care products. They determined that because of the large molecular weight of silicone based polymers such as dimethicone, it would be very unlikely for it to penetrate past the surface of the skin.
Dimethicone copolyol softens and smoths skin and hair. It repels water and adds shine to hair. It helps certain personal care products spread more smoothly and evenly and in some cases acts as a moisturizer.
CYCLOMETHICONE is an EMOLLIENT; HAIR CONDITIONING; HUMECTANT; SOLVENT; VISCOSITY CONTROLLING agent.
Simethicone is mixture of dimethicone with silica; related to silicones. Simethicone is a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane and silica gel. but used as an antifoaming agent.