Silicon Based Personal Care Product

Silicon is the second most prevalent element on the planet; like silicon dioxide, Sio2, the natural base of sand, it is chemically connected to oxidation. Silicones are commonly wrongly thought to be petroleum-derived petrochemical goods, however they are actually synthetic chemicals created from sand or quartz, which is one of the world’s most abundant minerals. Silicone is a name for materials made up of silicon and oxygen in a linear polymer matrix. The unrestricted rotation of Si-o (silicon-oxygen bond) and Si-c (silicon-carbon bond) molecules allow them to choose the lowest energy configuration at the interface. In comparison to organic polymers, this results in extremely low surface tension values. Silicones are useful for a variety of personal care applications due to their unique characteristics.

Use of silicones in cosmetics

Shine:

Silicones are water insoluble in the vast majority of cases. They leave a layer on whatever surface they’re put to. Hair products use this film-forming property to make hair look shinier. When used in makeup, this gleaming effect can be seen not just on the hair, but also on the skin.

Feel:

Because of their low surface tension, silicones seem lighter on the skin. This implies they make skin products feel better. They can also feel like less coarse and smoother fibres in hair products.

Silicones, in the vast majority of circumstances, are water insoluble. They leave a coating on any surface they come into contact with. This film-forming feature is used in hair products to make hair look shinier. This dazzling look can be observed not just on the hair but also on the skin when used in cosmetics.

Spreadability:

Silicones have a lower surface tension than both water and oils. It signifies that it spreads more freely across surfaces than other compounds of the same type. 

Barrier:

Due to their low surface tension, silicones seem lighter on the skin. This means that they increase the sensation of skin care products. They can also feel like fibres that are less harsh in hair products.

Foam reduction: Silicones establish a barrier on the skin, protecting it from chemical exposure and other environmental effects when used in greater quantities. The silicone’s occlusive action on the skin offers a significant amount of moisture.

Silicone types in cosmetics

Dimethiconol is a polymer similar to polydimethylsiloxane in which two chain terminal methyl groups have been replaced by hydroxyl (-OH).The CTFA designations for the two dimethiconol blends are (i) dimethiconol; (ii) cyclomethicone.

They’re silicone dispersions in polydimethylsiloxane or cyclic dimethylsiloxane with very high molecular weights. They provide variable conditioning properties that make damaged and unhealthy hair look and feel beautiful. They provide silky softness and velvet feel to the hair, as well as high gloss qualities, as the base of essence-type leave-in conditioners.

Dimethiconol is extensively used in hairy coats because of its unique qualities, which can considerably reduce problems like split ends. Volatile cyclopentasiloxane is employed as a temporary conditioner in this hairy scale preparation. It increases the wet compatibility of the hair by slowly evaporating, leaving behind non-volatile dimethiconol that adds shine. After usage, the system improves the combing effect of dry hair and gives it a silky feel.

Drawbacks:

Silicone’s only disadvantage is that it has a semi-occlusive effect. It suggests they have a tendency towards smoothing the scalp and skin. However, it is dependent on the type of silicone you used. Furthermore, the layer can build up, and silicones are difficult to remove.

This build-up of silicones on the hair may cause the hair to lose volume, and hair that retains quick sebum secretion and fats requires more frequent cleaning.

If you apply a heavy layer of silicone to your skin, it may create, cause, or worsen a skin problem by leaving small balls of itchy substances on your skin, which might cause rubbing.

Conclusion

Silicones exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, giving formulators a wide range of options. They can give hair care products a pleasant softness and shine, provide skin preparations a luscious texture, and have outstanding spreadability, durability, and protection.

Silicones are actual cosmetic compounds that are used in a variety of personal care products. They smooth out creams and lotions.