Silicones in skincare

What are silicones?

Silicones are synthetic substances consisting of silicon and oxygen atoms. That may sound complicated, but silicon actually comes from materials such as sand and granite. Silicones are colorless and odorless and are often used in cosmetics because they are not easily affected by oxygen, light or bacteria. They can be recognized on the ingredient list of products by names ending in -cone or -xane, such as dimethicone and cyclomethicone.

Silicones are divided into three categories: water-soluble, water-insoluble, and evaporative silicones. Water-soluble silicones can be easily washed off with water, non-water-soluble silicones require a special cleaner, and evaporating silicones disappear on their own after application.

What is silicone for in skin care?

Why are silicones so often used in skin care? They create a smooth, silky layer on the skin, which feels pleasant and looks good. They also help retain moisture in the skin, providing a hydrated appearance. In addition, silicone can protect the skin by forming a barrier against irritants and allergens. Silicones are also widely used in hair care products because they form a filmy layer around the hair, making the hair feel softer and smoother. In addition, silicones are a commonly used ingredient in foot creams, body lotions, serums and make-up primers. This all sounds good, but there are also disadvantages.

What do silicones do to the skin?

Silicones mainly work on the surface of the skin. They create a layer that prevents moisture loss and immediately makes the skin smooth and soft. That sounds ideal, but here's the downside: that same layer can clog pores, especially with water-insoluble silicone. This can lead to skin problems such as pimples, especially in people with sensitive skin. In addition, the barrier that silicone forms can prevent other beneficial ingredients from being absorbed into the skin as well. This means that the positive effects of your cream or lotion are less effective than you think in advance.

Why are there no silicones in Hypogeen?

You may be wondering, “If silicones are so commonly used, why does Hypogeen choose not to use them?” The answer is simple. Although silicones offer many benefits, there are also people who are sensitive to these substances and can even develop allergic reactions. Even though this group of people is small, we want to make products that are safe for everyone to use. That's why we chose to remove silicones from our formulas. This fits with our philosophy of creating skin care that is not only effective, but also kind to the skin, even for those with the most sensitive skin types.

At Hypogeen we believe in skin care that really cares for the skin, without suffocating or irritating it. We therefore use other ingredients such as Shea Butter that give the body a smooth feeling, but without the disadvantages of silicone. This way, everyone can enjoy healthy, radiant skin, without having to worry about possible allergic reactions or other skin problems that silicones can cause.