Skin Care
Want skin that looks flawless every day? Many people start their makeup routine with silicone-based primers because they smooth the skin and blur large pores. But using a chemical like silicone on your face can have downsides. Read on to learn the facts about silicone primers and why you might consider natural alternatives.
What Is Silicone?
Once best known for use in controversial breast implants, silicone is actually a synthetic polymer made from silicon combined with oxygen and hydrocarbons. Because it feels silky and plastic-like, manufacturers have found lots of uses for it — from cookware and shampoos to industrial products and cosmetics. In makeup, silicone spreads into a smooth layer that hides pores and fine lines and helps foundation stay in place.
Is Silicone Toxic?
Most experts say silicone is stable and non-toxic. Health Canada even notes there are no known health hazards from silicone cookware and that it doesn’t react with food or give off dangerous fumes. However, some studies have found certain siloxanes (compounds related to silicone) that could act as endocrine disruptors. So while silicone is probably safe, research isn’t completely settled.
Are Silicone-Based Primers Bad for Your Skin?
Silicone forms a seal over the skin, and that barrier can affect skin health in a few ways:
1. Seals Your Pores
Silicone sits over pores like an impermeable layer, making it harder for moisture and beneficial ingredients from other skincare products to reach the skin.
2. Traps Dirt and Sebum
If nothing can get out, dirt, oil, and other buildup stay trapped in pores, which can lead to inflammation or breakouts.
3. Enlarges Pores
Although primers temporarily hide pores, repeated buildup can stretch them over time, making them appear larger.
Product Picks
Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate
Restore and smooth
If you’re disappointed to learn your go-to primer might be problematic, there are natural options. Eminence Organics’ Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate uses lactic acid, ribose, and red clover flower extract to deliver primer-like results without silicone. These ingredients help dissolve impurities and dead skin cells, clear pores, and reduce their appearance. Instead of simply masking pores, this approach helps make them look smaller — 84% of study participants reported reduced pore size and improved skin texture after 30 days of using the Mangosteen Collection.
Provides Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection
Looking for another natural option or a follow-up step after the Mangosteen Concentrate? The Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 offers broad protection against UVA and UVB rays. With zinc oxide as a mineral blocker, it protects skin from sun damage and is water resistant, so it holds up during swimming or sweating. Antioxidants in the formula also help protect against signs of premature aging.
Effective Ingredients
This formula includes more than zinc oxide. Lilikoi (passion fruit) seed oil adds vitamin C and antioxidants to fight visible aging, raspberry seed oil provides light moisture, and aloe vera soothes dry skin and helps reduce the look of sun damage.
Find out more about natural alternatives at your nearest Eminence Organics partner spa. Will you try these options instead of silicone-based primers? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media.