Inquiry about Silicones and Clogged Pores in Sunscreen and BB Cream
Asked by: siiziieme
On: November 19, 2014
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I am concerned about using products like sunscreen and BB cream because I have acne-prone skin and worry about clogged pores. The products I am considering contain the following silicones:
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
- Methicone
- PEG-10 Dimethicone
- Cyclohexasiloxane
- Phenyl Trimethicone
Could these specific silicones cause clogged pores for someone with acne-prone skin? What factors determine if a formulation containing these silicones will lead to clogged pores?
Answer
Subject: Regarding Silicones and Clogged Pores
Based on the ingredients you listed and the discussion:
- You are concerned about whether silicones like Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, and Phenyl Trimethicone can cause clogged pores.
- These are indeed common silicone ingredients found in cosmetics, including sunscreens and BB creams.
- As mentioned in the previous reply, most of these silicones (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone) are not directly water-soluble. PEG-10 Dimethicone is an exception and is water-soluble.
- Whether a product containing these silicones causes clogged pores depends heavily on the overall formulation and, most importantly, how effectively the product is removed from the skin during cleansing.
- Silicones that are not water-soluble require proper cleansing to be fully removed. If not thoroughly washed off, residue could potentially contribute to clogged pores, especially for individuals prone to acne, as you described.
- Using an effective cleansing method, such as double cleansing (using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water followed by a water-based cleanser), is often recommended to ensure complete removal of products containing non-water-soluble ingredients like many silicones, especially sunscreens and makeup.
- It's also important to note that the ingredient list you provided might be incomplete, which makes a full assessment difficult.
- While silicones themselves are often considered non-comedogenic, their potential to cause issues depends on the specific product formulation and your skin's reaction, coupled with your cleansing routine.
In summary, while silicones are not inherently pore-clogging for everyone, their presence in a formulation that is difficult to remove with standard cleansing can potentially lead to clogged pores, particularly for acne-prone skin. Ensuring thorough removal is key.