Are Face Primers With Silicone Safe?

OKIE! This is gonna be science-y science-y post. But I'll try to be make it more sexy than science-y!

Benefits and effects of silicone in skin products is one of the most passionately debated issues in the makeup world. Nobody has the right answer nor evidence to prove that it is or not beneficial, or hazardous to our health or skin.

I've been using the Monistat Chafing Relief Gel as a face primer for 6 months and it doesn’t clog my pores, doesn’t cause breakouts, doesn’t leave a greasy residue, and as a makeup face primer, works like magic for prepping and priming my face.

Here are 5 good reasons why using silicone on your face is more YAY! than NAY.

1. Silicone is used in most products these days

Silicone is everywhere. Just so you know, most off-the-shelf hair conditions and serums; and face moisturizers and foundations contain a fair bit of silicone, especially in those that are waterproof or ‘long-wearing’. The fluid properties of silicone make them feel like silk on the skin and act as a water-binding agent that holds up makeup well as silicone repels water and sweat.

Just turn your shampoo or conditioner around spot for ‘Dimethicone’. Dimethicone forms a barrier that locks in the hair's natural moisture and waterproofs it to block dryness from humidity, reduce tangling and hair loss. Now you know why your hair shines!

Makeup products like the much loved Urban Decay Cosmetics Eyeshadow Primer Potion and Too Faced Shadow Insurance – Anti-Crease Eyeshadow Primer are silicone-based eye primers. That’s how your eye makeup stays on the lids forever and why we all love them!

And they are, erm, also used as lubricant on condoms.

2. Good for oily skin or sensitive skin

Now, now, I know some people detest silicone-based primers because they flake or cause some allergic reactions to the skin. But for those who are willing to give the awesome silicone-based makeup facial primers a try, it's good to know that because they are oil-free, and due to silicone’s occlusive nature, are even suitable for those with sensitive skin. They do not irritate the skin nor cause acne (at least for oily and sensitive skin like mine!) because they're nonreactive and are in fact, often used as a barrier against irritation.

Then again, there ARE people with sensitive skin who avoid silicone primers like the plague.

3. Makes your face makeup, eye makeup, lipstick last longer

Silicone fills in uneven skin textures like acne scars and fine lines. You know, like how painters fill up cracks in the wall with paste first before giving it a fresh coat of paint. With slight imperfections in the skin covered, a smooth canvas for foundation is created and face makeup can last longer.

4. Improper removal of makeup, maybe?

Some people complain that some foundations or primers are causing acne or they are allergic to silicone-based products. I can’t say for the rest, but some people have the habit of not removing makeup thoroughly. They use general mild facial wash thinking it removes makeup and I know of people who think it’s no big deal going to bed with makeup on. Optimum breeding ground for bacteria! That’s how pores get clogged. Please always make sure not a trace of makeup is left on your face before going to bed. Sometimes it really just boils down to proper makeup removal.

5. Silicone is approved by FDA

Well, if it makes you more confident about silicone, silicone is FDA approved. And did I mention that it really IS in everything? =)

So if you have problems with cream or lotion makeup face primers being too greasy or not making your makeup last as long as you desire, give silicone-based face primers a go. You never know, it might be your next Holy Grail makeup item!

5 best-selling face primers:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Travel Size

MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream $15.99

Bare Escentuals Prime Time Foundation Primer Oil Control

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Hydrating $30

 

Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel (pack of 3)

Isn't dimethicone amazing? =)