What are silicones?
Silicones are synthetic ingredients that come in the form of oils and gels with a more or less thick texture.
To identify them in our products, take a look at the ingredients list on packaging. They can be found under names such as DIMETHICONE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONOL, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, AMODIMETHICONE, CYCLOMETHICONE. The easiest way to identify silicones is to look for words that end in one of these: –cone, –conol, –silane or –siloxane.
Where do they come from?
Silicones used in cosmetics are of synthetic origin.
Silicones are ingredients synthesized from silicon, a mineral compound found abundantly in nature as silica, the main constituent of sand.
What are they used for?
Silicones are used in some cosmetic products thanks to their unique sensory benefits and properties, as long lasting effect in lipstick. Silicones are smoothing: they give products like creams or make-up a silky, spreadable, luxurious texture. They also give shine and softness in shampoo and other hair care products.
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Long lasting effect in lipstick
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Smoothing
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Hair shine and softness
Why are they questioned?
Silicones are accused of build-up effect on skin and hair. The sensorial feels are also discussed : a quick hair lubrication and a non-soft touch on skin.
Silicones are not easily biodegradable in the environment, meaning some silicones accumulate.
The silicone called cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) is suspected of having carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic effects for reproduction. This ingredient is forbidden by the European Regulation.
Facts:
- Scientific evidence does not suggest that hair products containing silicones have a negative impact on scalp health (greasing or other undesirable effect) or they are comedogen. As every fatty acid, from mineral or from natural origin - the silicones are not comedogens when they are used at the right dose in cosmetic products
- We always choose silicones that are high-performing and with minimal impact on the environment. Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and cyclohexasiloxane (D6) are currently being evaluated at European level under the PBT criteria (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic) for the environment.
- We don’t use D4.
Why and how do we use them?
The silicones we use allow us to achieve a wide range of textures and a high level of product performance, especially in terms of shine and lightness.
We favor the use of silicones which have the least environmental impact. Furthermore, efforts are continuously being made to improve the biodegradability of our formulas in general.
D5 is only used in our leave-on products.
