Silicone: Benefits, Harms, and Common Types

Silicone is a synthetic polymer commonly used in many aspects of modern life, including cosmetics, chemicals, nipples, and baby products. Let’s explore the common types of silicone, along with its benefits and potential harm to the body.

1What is Silicone?

Silicone is a synthetic polymer with a structure consisting of a silicone-oxygen backbone and hydrogen or hydrocarbon groups attached to silicone atoms. It’s commonly used in moisturizers, foundations, sunscreens, cookware, insulation, and electrical insulation. It is particularly prevalent in the medical field due to its durability, stability, and ease of production.

Silicone is a synthetic polymer

2Common Types of Silicone

• Liquid Silicone: Also known as silicone oil, it contains primary components like Dimethicone, Aminodimethicone, and Dimethicone copolyol, which act as lubricants, paint additives, or ingredients in cosmetics.
• Silicone Gel: Uses primary components like Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer and Dimethicone Crosspolymer. Silicone gel is commonly used in laboratories, medical applications, and cookware. Notably, this type of silicone is used in cosmetic surgery for breast implants.

Silicone gel is used in cosmetic surgery

• Elastic Silicone: Also known as silicone rubber, it consists of main components like Dimethiconol and Dimethicone. Elastic silicone is used as an electrical insulator for soldering in aerospace vehicles or for producing exfoliating gloves, menstrual cups, facial cleansing brushes, breast pumps, etc.
• Silicone Resin: Has main components such as Trimethysiloxysilicate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, and Polymethylsilsesquioxane. Silicone resin is used for heat-resistant coatings, weather-resistant materials, or for sealing small holes in roofs and other household items.

3Is Silicone Toxic?

Silicone is widely used in industry, everyday items, and the medical field. However, as a chemical substance, it can have toxic side effects such as skin irritation, mutations, and cancer if used incorrectly or if low-quality products are purchased.

However, researchers have shown that if a moderate amount of silicone is used, there will be few or no side effects. Therefore, whether silicone is beneficial or harmful depends on the amount used and the type of silicone, which will affect human health.

Silicone can cause side effects such as skin irritation if not used correctly

4Benefits of Silicone for Skin and Hair

Silicone comes in many varieties and has many properties that offer various benefits:

• Skin Softening: Volatile silicones are used to create transient effects and light lubrication. Additionally, silicone has a light texture, so it doesn’t leave a powdery residue on the skin.
• Skin Recovery After Sun Exposure: Silicone contains Cetyl Dimethicone, which is water-resistant and is often added to oil-based sunscreens at about 2.5%.
• Controlled Skin Moisturizing: Silicone can create breathable films and avoid clogging pores due to its water vapor permeability.
• Reduces Hair Frizz: Silicone helps to create shiny, smooth hair, making it easier to comb and reducing split ends.
• Improves Hair Shine: Silicone contains Phenyl Trimethicone, which is added to shampoos to create a protective layer on damaged hair and enhance shine.

5How to Use Silicone Safely

When using cosmetics containing silicone, you should remove your makeup and use a facial cleanser. Then, follow your usual skincare routine, and finally, apply foundation or sunscreen containing silicone.

However, silicone has high coverage properties, so it easily retains dirt, dead skin, and excess oil, which can clog pores and create conditions for acne to appear. Therefore, if you wear makeup or use sunscreen containing silicone, you should remove your makeup and cleanse thoroughly after use.

6Applications of Silicone

Silicone is widely used in various industries and fields:

• Construction: Protects materials from wear at high temperatures due to silicone sealant’s water resistance.
• Electronics: Protects electronic components from overheating, moisture, and corrosion due to its insulating properties in computer technology, telecommunications, electronics, and power distribution.
• Healthcare: Used as a material for baby care products such as bottles, nipples, etc.
• Household Product Manufacturing: Used to make cookware, floor cleaners, and wood materials.
• Paint Industry: Improves the weather resistance of paint coatings, increases adhesion, and prevents stains.
• Cosmetics: A common ingredient in many skincare, hair care, and makeup products such as primers, foundations, and sunscreens.

7Precautions When Using Silicone

To avoid health risks, you should keep the following in mind when using silicone:

• For hair and skincare products, carefully read the ingredients and consider your skin and hair condition to avoid irritation.
• Choose products from reputable brands and labels to avoid counterfeit goods.
• Silicone products must have clear packaging and labels with complete specifications regarding features and heat resistance.
• Avoid purchasing products with strange odors or containing filler silicone. You can check by pulling and twisting; if white particles appear, it is not safe silicone.

8Frequently Asked Questions About Silicone

8.1 Is Silicone Plastic?

Silicone is not plastic. Although silicone shares some characteristics with plastic, they are chemically different.

• Plastic: Made up of long chains of carbon molecules, called polymers.
• Silicone: Made up of siloxane polymer chains, which are a combination of silicon, oxygen, and other elements like carbon and hydrogen.

This difference in chemical structure gives silicone unique properties that plastic does not have, such as high heat resistance, flexibility, water resistance, and inertness.

8.2 Is the Smell of Silicone Toxic?

Generally, the smell of silicone is not toxic. High-quality, properly cured silicone usually has no odor or a very faint odor. However, some silicone products may have an odor due to additives or the manufacturing process. If you smell a strong or unpleasant silicone odor, it is best to avoid inhaling it for long periods and ensure good ventilation in the area.

8.3 Are Silicone Molds Toxic?

High-quality, food-grade silicone molds are generally not toxic. They are made from chemically inert silicone that does not react with food and does not release harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures.

However, you should note the following:

• Choose silicone molds from reputable sources that meet food safety standards. Avoid buying products of unknown origin or cheap prices as they may contain harmful substances.
• Clean silicone molds thoroughly before and after use.
• Do not use silicone molds that are too old or damaged.

Silicone offers many benefits in life and is used in products such as shampoo, cosmetics, and baby products. If you have any questions, please call the AVAKids hotline 1900.866.874 (8:00 – 21:30) to get answers immediately!