Cyclomethicone

What is Cyclomethicone?

These days, most present-day commercial cosmetic products have a high chance of containing any form of Cyclomethicone. This compound is a clear, alcohol-free substance which is also odourless.

Its main use in the cosmetic industry is best explained in terms of its emollient properties which are optimal when it comes to blending them with other different substances used to make cosmetics. The inclusion of this substance helps to give products a smoother texture, thus facilitating their subsequent absorption.

There is something about the chemical composition of this substance that makes it fit to be used in beauty products. The molecules of the Cyclomethicone compound are larger than most other chemicals. Therefore, they do not penetrate into the pores so easily. This quality helps the substance to remain on the outer skin layers, creating a smoother and softer skin texture. In addition, its failure to penetrate diminishes the risks of any negative reaction to Cyclomethicone or any of the other chemicals used in the cosmetic product.

A Story to Tell

Cyclomethicone was created sometime around the early 80s as an alternative to harsher skin emollient substances, such as petroleum-based solvents that began to be frowned upon because of their attack on the Ozone layer.

Later research would find that Cyclomethicone did not prevent the main active ingredients used in the beauty products from entering the skin, at all. Consequently, it was only natural that the substance would become a cosmetic favourite among labs and cosmetic manufacturers.

Cyclomethicone and its Benefits

According to recent research, there are several advantages of using Cyclomethicone as a soothing agent: the most obvious one being its effect on the human skin. By humidifying and softening the external layers of the human dermis, this substance helps to improve overall skin appearance. People with dermatological issues are generally prescribed skincare products containing Cyclomethicone for this very reason. It is commonly found in hair conditioners, shampoos, nail cuticle treatments and the like.

In recent years, research has shown that this chemical compound is also helpful in dealing with skin ageing issues, mainly because of its alleged “filling” properties. One of the most popular products that is using this agent is facial lotions meant to deal with acne scars. Moreover, believed to possess a regenerative, soothing and restoring effect on the human skin, Cyclomethicone is now recommended to patients who have suffered from psoriasis.

Cyclomethicone and its Side Effects

Despite its many benefits, cyclomethicone is also known to possess certain negative effects on the human skin. Even when it is recommended as being mostly non-comedogenic, this substance has been reported to cause skin irritation and negative reactions, such as rash, in people with sensitive skin.

In addition, patients who are under some kind of dermatological treatment that involves applying some kind of medicated topical treatment should check with a skin specialist first since Cyclomethicone is likely to affect the absorption of the prescribed lotion.

In all, this substance is so flexible that its popularity in the world of skin care is likely to continue. However, a health specialist should always be consulted before its prolonged use.