Silicone has various uses in skin care products. Certain creams and moisturizers contain silicone, which can promote hydration and smooth fine lines. Generally, silicone is safe for most people, but if someone has a specific allergy or concern, they can consult a dermatologist for further guidance.

Skin products contain silicone, but this ingredient is also present in other personal care items, including: Vinyl Silicone Oil

This article explores the use of silicone for skin care, including its benefits, uses, and risks, and discusses alternatives.

Silicone derives from the natural compound “silic”, which goes through a chemical process to become the ingredient in skin care.

The ingredients in silicone usually include combining silicon with:

Manufacturers often list silicone by a different name. To know if a skin care product contains silicone, people should check for ingredient names that end in “cone.” Examples, include:

Silicone for skin may have several benefits, including the following:

2016 research states that silicon is helpful for the stimulation of fibroblasts — the main cell of active tissue — and the production of collagen, which improves skin elasticity and strength.

High silicone content in other products also has benefits for the hair and nails.

A 2016 study explored the topical use of silicone for scarring. Of the 224 participants, 205 had hypertrophic scars — raised scarring limited to the damaged area — and 19 participants had keloid scars, which are scar tissue forming a benign tumor in any area of the body.

Participants received topical treatment with a silicone patch for 1–16 months. The results indicated that silicone improved both types of scars in thickness, color, and elasticity.

Silicone also reduces transepidermal water loss. This means it creates a barrier on the skin that prevents water loss and traps moisture. Preventing water loss helps promote hydration in the skin.

Silicone also promotes the skin’s:

Moisturizers commonly reduce fine lines, which helps give the skin a smoother texture.

Silicone is safe for most people to use. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that silicone in skin care products, such as moisturizers and patches, is safe. Forms of silicone, such as dimethicone, do not interact with the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin, and are therefore unlikely to penetrate the skin barrier.

Silicone does not appear harmful to most people. However, people with acne may want to talk with their doctor or dermatologist before using it to assess the risk of clogging pores with certain products or ingredients.

Read more on skin care from our dermatology hub.

The main reason someone may want to avoid products with silicone is due to an allergic reaction. Although the research did not indicate any significant adverse reactions, similar to any product, a person can have an allergic reaction or an allergy to any ingredient, including silicone.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

A person should consult a doctor if they experience any symptoms after using a product containing silicone.

When using a new product on the skin, people should consider doing a patch test and applying a small amount on the arm to make sure an allergic reaction does not develop.

Read on about performing a patch test on the skin.

Silicone is available in facial creams as one of the active ingredients. It is also available as a patch to help reduce wrinkles and smooth the skin on the face, neck, and chest. Individuals should wear the patches overnight for best results. If a person wishes to add silicone products to their skin care routine, some of the best products include the following:

Sio creates a variety of silicone patches for the forehead, eyes, and neck. Patches are reusable, and auto-delivery is an option. Sio also offers other skin care products to target areas, such as crow’s feet and lip lines.

Dermaclara also offers silicone patches for wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. Different size patches are available. Consumers can make a one-time purchase or set up a subscription. The company states all products are cruelty-free.

Wrinkle Schminkles also sells various silicone patches to reduce lines and wrinkles. The company states it uses the same technology as medical-grade silicone to treat scarring.

For individuals that prefer a lotion to a patch, Aveeno offers a lotion for the face and body. This moisturizer contains dimethicone along with other ingredients to calm and hydrate the skin.

Several other products are available that lock in moisture and promote skin hydration. Alternatives to products containing silicone include:

Read on for the best skin products for every skin type.

Silicone starts as a natural compound known as “silic”. However, this ingredient goes through a specific process to create the silicone found in skin care products. Products available containing silicone include creams, lotions, and patches.

Silicone for the skin may have benefits, such as promoting wound healing, locking in moisture, and smoothing the skin. Silicone is safe for most people, but they should speak with a dermatologist to determine the best product for their skin type if they have any concerns.

Last medically reviewed on April 28, 2022

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