Silicone materials in personal care can provide incredible sensory and performance attributes that struggle to be replicated fully by naturally derived materials. Silicones also have an undeservedly bad reputation from misinformation on the internet. Some of this is from misunderstandings of the types of silicone-based materials we actually use in personal care, while a lot of it is just incorrect. For example, did you know that silicones are totally non-comedogenic, while many plant oils have at least some comedogenic potential? Another incorrect perception is that silicones are not degradable – consumers often getting the terms biodegradable and degradable confused.
A degradable substance is one that breaks down into simpler compounds by stages, compared to biodegradable substances that are decomposed by biological agents, particularly bacteria. Silicone materials are degradable and can complete a full cycling pathway – meaning they are also sustainable!
Silicones may also be incorrectly compared to micro-plastics when they are not, and even the volatile materials are completely degradable with minimal impact on the environment.
In this video, Belinda Carli, Director of the Institute of Personal Care Science, takes you through the degradation pathways of volatile and non-volatile silicone materials used in personal care and explains their sustainability. She also compares them with other commonly used materials to show what a great option they really are when you are creating eco-conscious products with fantastic sensory and performance. Find out just how degradable and sustainable silicone materials in cosmetics are, and start creating with confidence today! Watch now.
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excellent, concise, scientific explanation. big help for non-silicone chemists
Do you have hard copies available?
Please email [email protected] for links to soft copies.
Thanks,
Belinda Carli