In the search for a perfect skincare routine, finding the right moisturizer for your skin type that has good-for-you ingredients can take some trial and error.
As the focus on clean skincare has become more important in recent years, switching out some of the skincare or beauty products in your collection for more mindful alternatives could be needed. The development of clean skincare, moisturizers especially, has resulted in a variety of options.
Silicones are an ingredient that seems to be found in a load of beauty and skincare items. In terms of being a clean ingredient, it tends to be debated on the benefits and side effects of being used in skincare.
It is a naturally derived ingredient, however the form that is seen in skin and beauty products has undergone a lot of chemical processing to result in silicone and, while there are some benefits to the appearance of the skin once it’s applied, there are no long-term benefits.
What are the alternatives for a silicone-free facial moisturizer? There are many options available on the market, and below is a product guide of some of the best silicone-free alternatives. Most silicone-free skincare products will have a label stating so, to easily translate the message to consumers.
Silicone can also go by other names, such as dimethicone, so be sure to look at the ingredients list to ensure the product you are purchasing is free of the ingredient. We’ll explain more below and introduce you to our favorite products, so keep reading!
What Are Silicones?
Silicones are derived from silica, which is a polymer consisting of silicon and oxygen. It is popular in an array of beauty and skin items due to their smoothing texture and ability to lock in moisture. Silicones essentially fill in the skin to create a surface that looks and feels velvety smooth.
The smoothness of the skin’s texture after applying a silicone-based product is immediately noticeable to the touch and appearance. Silicones are also known for their occlusive properties, as they create a light barrier on the surface of the skin.
Due to the barrier they create, silicones are known to lock in moisture under the surface and to prevent anything from penetrating in.
Why To Avoid Silicone In Moisturizer
While silicones are not necessarily harmful to the skin, there are other alternatives that could work better and provide long-term results for your skin instead.
If you have sensitive skin issues, such as rosacea, silicone-based ingredients can cause additional irritation to your skin, rather than soothe or diminish any existing skin concerns.
Silicone-based products, especially moisturizers, create a light film that sits on top of the skin. While that is great for retaining the moisture present in the skin, it does not allow any additional products that are put on top to penetrate through to work to the best of their ability.
There is also the chance that silicone-based products can cause skin to become clogged as it also traps oil production, dirt, and dead skin cells through the film it creates. By locking in the excess oil, breakout-prone skin can be more likely to experience additional breakouts.
While it traps moisture in, it also repels moisture from the outside. By repelling the moisture, silicone-based products can be difficult to remove and can leave traces still on the skin even after washing it off.
It would be best to use an oil-based makeup remover or to do a double-cleanse to ensure the silicone product is fully removed and no residue remains, which can cause additional breakouts.
Silicones also do not necessarily provide any long-term skincare benefits, as they sit topically on the skin to provide a smooth canvas. Once the product is removed, the natural texture and appearance of your skin returns, without the silicone providing any noticeable changes.
What To Look For In A Moisturizer
Looking for a new moisturizer can be tricky, as you don’t want to disrupt your established skincare routine. However, introducing a new product might be the key to unlocking your skin’s ultimate potential. Below are key factors to keep in mind while you are on the hunt for your new facial moisturizer.
Ingredients
The most important factor to consider when selecting a moisturizer is the ingredients it is made of. Moisturizer plays a crucial role in your skincare routine, so it is important to know what exactly you are layering over your skin.
Knowing the active versus inactive ingredients in your moisturizer will let you know what ingredients are being used to target your specific skin concerns.
Being aware of what those ingredients are is also key to understanding how products will react to one another in your routine. Some ingredients pair well together, while others work best separately.
For the best type of ingredients, you want to look for products that are paraben- and phthalate- free, as those can be harmful to you and your skin. If your skin is sensitive or prone to breakouts, look for moisturizers that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, as they can be less irritating to the skin.
Skin Type
Depending on your skin type, your skin will require different needs. It is important to understand your skin type before adding new products into your routine.
You want your skincare to be able to address your specific skin concerns, so knowing how your skin functions and feels throughout the day will provide insight into what moisturizers will work best for you.
Texture
Different skin types work best with different textures to provide the best comfort and wear. Drier skin types respond well to cream moisturizers that can be richer in texture.
Oily skin works best with gel-like moisturizers that provide a lightweight hydration, especially when worn under makeup as it won’t give any additional shine to the skin.
SPF
For daytime it is incredibly important to have a broad-spectrum SPF to protect from sun damage. A separate, specific SPF should be applied as the last step in your skincare routine, however a facial moisturizer with SPF will help provide a degree of protection before a face SPF is applied.
For your nighttime moisturizer, you can skip the SPF and opt for one without.
Product Guide
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré | Plump, smooth skin; can be used as moisturizer or makeup primer; formulated with shea butter, aloe vera, beeswax, and soy proteins |
| 2. | Vichy Laboratories Aqualia Thermal | 48-hour hydration; strengthens skin’s moisture barrier; available in three formulas to suit different skin types |
| 3. | ELEMIS Superfood Day Cream | Antioxidant and superfood rich; provides fresh and glowing appearance; strengthens skin’s moisture barrier and overall appearance |
| 4. | Juice Beauty Oil-Free SPF 30 Moisturizer | Vegan and cruelty-free; hydrates and protects skin by offering SPF 30; oil-free formula is ideal for oily skin types |
| 5. | Boscia Chia Seed Moisture Cream | Vegan and cruelty-free; ideal for dry skin types; prevents against moisture loss and restores skin’s radiance |
Here is a list of top silicone-free facial moisturizers that can be used in your daily routine.
1. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Embryolisse is an iconic French skincare brand that is a must-have for professionals and consumers alike.
The Lait-Crème Concentré is a renowned moisturizer that leaves the skin feeling soft, plump, and supple.
It is a rich cream texture that can work for all skin types, but especially dry or sensitive skin.
This moisturizer can also be used to prime skin before makeup application, or even as a face mask.
2. Vichy Laboratories Aqualia Thermal
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, Vichy Volcanic Water, and plant sugar, this moisturizer strengthens skin’s moisture barrier while providing 48-hour hydration.
Your skin will look plump and smooth, diminishing the appearance of any fine lines.
The Aqualia Thermal is formulated in different textures to work best for your skin type: a rich cream for dry skin, a lightweight gel for oily skin, and a fragrance-free option for sensitive skin.
3. ELEMIS Superfood Day Cream
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this moisturizer will not only protect and replenish your skin but will instantly provide you with a feeling of deep hydration.
After applying this moisturizer skin is left looking fresh and glowing.
Matcha tea extract helps protect skin against free radicals while Goji berry delivers vitamins B and C to enhance skin’s appearance.
The omega-rich superfoods work to replenish and rejuvenate your skin.
4. Juice Beauty Oil-Free SPF 30 Moisturizer
For daytime wear, this is a moisturizer that contains reef safe SPF 30, while still providing hydration.
An oil-free formula is also ideal for oily skin types, however it can still work for all.
Another moisturizer that is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, along with hyaluronic acid, this is a product that both hydrates and protects the skin during daily wear.
5. Boscia Chia Seed Moisture Cream
This is a rich cream texture that is ideal for dry skin types.
Chia seed oil not only hydrates the skin, but also protects against trans-epidermal moisture loss.
The antioxidant rich formula helps to restores skin’s radiance and the Glacier Water helps to enhance skin’s moisture for all-day wear.
Conclusion
While silicone-based products have their place in the beauty and skincare world, there are other alternatives that could provide with both the immediate and long-term benefits you are seeking.
Finding a new facial moisturizer can take time, but once you find the right one, your skin will thank you.
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