Silicone-Free Primer: How it Works and Key Ingredients

Asked by: nichanichaon On: November 24, 2018 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have a silicone-free primer and would like to know how it achieves its primer effect without using silicones like Dimethicone or Cyclopentasiloxane. The ingredient list includes:

  • Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
  • PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
  • Glycerin
  • Butylene Glycol
  • Sodium Hyaluronate

Could you explain the function of these ingredients, especially Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, and how they provide the smoothing and blurring properties typically found in silicone-based primers? Also, is Inulin Lauryl Carbamate available for purchase?

Answer

Primer Ingredient Analysis

You've shared an interesting primer ingredient list and a question about how it achieves a good primer effect without silicones, as claimed by the brand. It's true that silicones are commonly used in primers for their smoothing and blurring properties.

Based on the ingredient list you provided, there are no typical silicone ingredients like Dimethicone or Cyclopentasiloxane. The brand's claim of being silicone-free appears to be accurate based on this list.

The key ingredient providing the primer function in this formula is Inulin Lauryl Carbamate. As confirmed by the staff reply, this ingredient acts as an emulsion stabilizer. It works by encapsulating oil droplets, which helps create a stable and smooth texture without needing high viscosity. This property allows it to form a suitable base for makeup, similar to how silicones function in traditional primers. Inulin Lauryl Carbamate is known to be used in primers, such as the Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer.

Another ingredient contributing to the texture is PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether. This is a polymer-based thickener that helps create the gel texture of the product. The smooth gel texture itself can help to visually blur pores and fine lines by providing an even surface.

Other ingredients like Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, and Sodium Hyaluronate are humectants that provide hydration and contribute to a smooth skin feel, further enhancing the primer's performance.

In summary, this primer achieves its effect through a combination of ingredients, primarily Inulin Lauryl Carbamate for emulsion stability and base formation, PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether for texture, and humectants for hydration, effectively mimicking the smoothing and blurring properties typically associated with silicone-based primers.