What are silicones?

You know how some products feel incredibly smooth and just glide on your skin? A lot of the time, that's because of silicones. They're these synthetic compounds made from silicon and oxygen, and they're pretty much everywhere in cosmetics for a few good reasons.

What do they actually do?

Well, they give products this amazing, silky texture. They help a formula spread out super easily without feeling heavy or greasy. Silicones can also temporarily fill in fine lines and make your skin look a lot smoother. Plus, they form a sort of breathable shield on your skin that helps lock in moisture and keep bad stuff out.

So, are they all the same?

Nope. You'll see a few different types on an ingredient list:

• Dimethicone - stable and creates a lasting barrier.
• Cyclomethicone - evaporates quickly, making products feel really lightweight.

Are they good or bad?

The main concern people have with silicones is that they might clog pores, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Because of that, you just need to make sure you're cleansing your face properly at the end of the day. As for safety, the ones used in cosmetics are widely considered safe.

How to spot silicones?

You can usually spot silicones on an ingredient list by looking for words that end in "-cone" (like dimethicone) or "-siloxane." They’re not necessarily good or bad, it just depends on how your skin handles them.