MYTHS AND COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SILICONES-2

Do Silicones Prevent Skin from Breathing?

Most silicones allow the skin to breathe while preventing water from penetrating the skin, thus allowing oxygen, nitrogen and water vapors to be easily transported into or out of the skin. Some silicones are known to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the primary cause of skin dryness and dehydration. For this reason, silicones create a protective barrier film in wounds, wound healing and even burn creams, preventing transepidermal water loss while keeping damaged skin moist, thereby reducing infection and skin irritation. Silicones can create the ideal moisture and oxygen atmosphere for collagen formation as well as renewal of all epidermal cells. However, the effects of silicones in reducing redness, itching or pain, softening scar tissue, correcting raised scars and reducing abnormal scar appearance have been clinically proven.

Do Silicones Clog Pores on Skin and Scalp or Cause Hair Loss?

Silicones are highly resistant to oxidation, as a result of which they are classified as non-comedogenic. They do not break down and do not cause acne because they are not irritating. However, silicones increase the penetration of pore-clogging agents, including perfumes and plant-based oils rich in lipids, which are the real culprits behind breakouts and blackheads.

Do Silicones Cause Irritation?

Silicones do not create irritation on the skin. In fact, they reduce or eliminate irritation because they enable the spread and balancing of ingredients during product application. Thus, buildup on the skin is reduced and the potential irritant cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients are minimized. These ingredients include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), salicylic acid, strong emulsifiers, surfactants, benzoyl peroxide and organic sunscreens.

Are Silicones Allergens?

Silicones cannot trigger allergic reactions because they are too large to penetrate the skin and therefore cannot react with the immune system. In fact, silicones remain biologically inert when in contact with skin; due to these properties, silicones are now replacing latex, which is a common allergen in adhesives, gloves and many other substances. Silicones are also used in open wounds because of their ability to shorten healing time and prevent bacterial growth. It has been proven through dermatological tests that silicones do not cause allergic reactions.

Do Silicones Build Up on Hair and Are They Difficult to Remove?

The level of silicone buildup on hair and its effect on hair volume depends on the product used and the amount. In any case where silicone buildup is suspected, silicones can be easily removed after applying a cleansing shampoo.

Do Silicones Contribute to Sustainable Development?

In fact, silicones play an extremely important role in promoting sustainable development because they improve the performance of products and devices. Silicones enable materials to last longer, spread better, remain flexible or rigid and withstand extreme temperatures or electricity. These are qualities that make life safer, more interesting and more comfortable while reducing resource consumption (providing energy savings). In fact, silicone use in products provides an average of 9 times more CO2 savings compared to those released during production, use and disposal.

Has D4 Been Banned in Personal Care Applications?

Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) is classified as a reproductive toxicant category 2 in the EU. Additionally, D4 is listed in Annex II of the list of banned substances in cosmetic products under Directive 1223/2009 in Europe, and only technically unavoidable amounts are permitted in cosmetic products. BRB continuously works to reduce D4 impurity levels in its products to the accepted maximum limit of 0.1%. However, D4 is still widely used in personal care applications in countries outside Europe.

Summary

Silicones are generally one of the main components of "oil-free" product formulations such as anti-acne treatments, sensitive hypoallergenic skin series, wound treatments, health and medical devices, and therefore can be applied to skin even in the most sensitive conditions. This is because silicones are chemically inert and never cause irritation or allergic reactions on the skin. Silicones are not occlusive, allow the skin to breathe and do not clog pores; their breathability protects the skin from urban environmental factors and promotes skin renewal. Özge Yüksel Özel Technical Business Development Manager / Personal Care