Why avoid silicones?
Silicones are quite common substances found in creams, hair products and makeup. It is quite complicated to get rid of them because they take some time to disappear, both on your body and in nature. As you can see, silicones are not biodegradable and take a long time to degrade. It is precisely because of their polluting nature that they are prohibited by organic labels such as Ecocert. So far, it has not been demonstrated that they represent a danger to health, but it is still preferable to avoid them!
Silicones, false friends of your skin
Silicones are deceptive because they give the impression of soft and silky skin, and a smoothed skin texture. But beware, this effect is only temporary and fictitious! Silicones simply cover the epidermis and thus give it this “perfect” appearance, but the skin is in reality neither hydrated nor repaired. The care products, creams or make-up products that use and abuse them will only bring superficial and transitory benefits to your skin.
True concealers for your hair
Many hair products on the market use silicones. These substances seem magical at first because they make you think that your hair is soft, silky, detangled and even repaired… But the reality is quite different. Silicones simply form a film around the hair, which gives it that appearance, but the hair is not nourished or strengthened. In addition, silicones cling to the hair fiber and weigh it down.
How to spot silicones in your hair care products?
These synthetic components are easily recognizable in the INCI lists (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) because their names end in -icone, -iconol or -siloxane. The most common are dimethicone, dimethiconol and cyclopentasiloxane. Silicones are found in many skin care and cosmetic products: moisturizers, anti-aging creams, shampoos, conditioners, oils, deodorants, foundations, mascaras, etc.
What are the alternatives?
To moisturize and repair, there are fortunately many natural and truly effective ingredients. Opt for plant-based oils and conditioners, which will deeply nourish your skin and hair, strengthen them, and make them truly and lastingly beautiful. Here are some examples: avocado oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, hydrolyzed rice proteins, glycerin, etc.
So be careful and think about consuming responsibly!
