‘Silicone’ is one of those ingredients that pops up frequently in all kinds of beauty products, whether it be conditioner, moisturiser or makeup.
But just because it’s common, it doesn’t mean its inclusion should be overlooked when it comes to finding the right beauty buys for your routine. In fact, you may have noticed more and more products touting a ‘silicone-free’ label of late.
Case and point? Silicone-free primers.
Want to know whether you should be making the switch and what it all means? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is silicone and why do some primers have it?
Silicone is a gel-liquid type substance derived from silica. In beauty, it’s mainly used for its occlusive properties to form a barrier-like coating on the skin or hair. This film-like coating also sums up its use in primers; it leaves behind a velvety texture, which provides a smooth layer on the skin that’s resistant to water and air.
However, the use of silicones is largely superficial and there are no long-term benefits to the skin. In fact, when it comes to skin care and makeup, there are a few reasons some people prefer to steer clear…
Why some prefer to avoid silicones
Because of its resistance to water, silicone can be difficult to remove from the skin and doesn’t rinse away easily, meaning a double cleanse is often required for proper removal. This also means that when it is removed from the skin and heads down your sink, that it may not break down for a long time and is likely to end up in our waterways.
This hard-to-remove aspect can also lead to debris becoming trapped in pores, and acne and congestion caused as a result. If you’re prone to breakouts, it’s recommended to steer clear to avoid flare-ups.
What are the benefits of choosing a silicone-free primer?
The good news is you can still achieve a smooth base for longer makeup wear with a silicone-free primer. And what’s even better is that the Nude by Nature primers are made with 100 per cent natural ingredients.
The Perfecting Primer Smooth and Nourish is already an award winner, with key ingredients like the vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum and vitamins A and E providing a flawless base, while also restoring freshness and helping to fight the visible signs of ageing.
And now, the range has been extended to cater to every skin type with three new additions: Hydrate and Illuminate (ideal for normal to dry skin), Correct and Even (ideal for skin prone to redness) and Blur and Mattify (ideal for combination to oily skin).
So not only does choosing a silicone-free primer mean you’ll avoid potential congestion, breakouts and sending its residue down the sink, but by choosing a more natural option, your skin will reap better benefits too.
Did you know about silicones in primers? Which Nude by Nature primer would you be most keen to try?
thanks BH. That’s explains a lot. I’m definitely getting silicon-free next time I purchase a primer. If I wear primer 3-days in a row my skin becomes congested & breaks out big time. Now I know why.
Thank You BH for letting me know what Silicone does to our Skin and the Environment. Would like to try Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer Blur and Mattify It would help blur enlarged Pores on my nose.
I’m wearing the NBN Perfecting Primer Hydrate and Illuminate from the Natural Beautyty Box. Has to be one of the best primers I’ve tried. Satin finish and no silicone. Love!
The Blur and Mattify variant of the Nude by Nature primer looks interesting!
I need to buy one.
I’d heard about silicones but didn’t know much about them.
I’d feel much more confident using a primer regularly if I knew it was actually good for my skin as well as functional.
All good to know.
Sounds great! I’m not sure if I’ve ever used any Nude By Nature products.
Looks good
I prefer to skip silicones completely as it seems like short term gain for long term pain. They tend to cause irritation and dryness for me.
Blur! Oh, so this is a new range from NBN =D
Knew silicones were good for my skin but didn’t realize the damage to waterways. I’m lucky enough to be on this trial and have the hydrate and illuminate one which I am so excited to try. Also may get myself the correct and even as I do get some redness. Love natural beauty month, my favourite BH event, so glad to get to participate virtually still.
Owww no I didn’t know about silicones in primers, was also partly oblivious but that was a great read and I am most shocked about the potentially clogged pore and congestion. I would love to try the hydrate and illuminate also the correct and even.
The Blur and Mattify one sounds right for me because I’m blemish-prone.
I had no idea there were three types and I didn’t know that about silicone!
I always do a double cleanse when I wear full face makeup.
Good to know there are a range of products without silicone . I prefer products that are easy to remove rather that a coating that sticks on your face- It can’t be good for your skin in the long run.
I’d like to try the Hydrate and Illuminate.
That sentence about doing a double cleanse jumped out at me also, Meedee. I thought doing a double cleanse was a done thing after wearing makeup.
Useful information, thank you 🙂
Its just a part of my normal routine. I use a cleansing oil and then a creamy cleanser.
I’ve never used a primer before
Nude by nature my favourite brand.
I didn’t realise Nude by Nature had more that one primer. The Correct and Even sounds good for me
Silicone is what makes your skin look (my skin i should say) like it has huge pores and doesn’t look nice and smooth at all
Good to know… Thanks for sharing!!!
I’m one of those people who is yet to find a primer that does anything for my skin.
Isn’t it crazy that we lkved certain products which now we reialise are not good for us and vise versa!
I have never tried Nude by Nature products. I find they are quite expensive.
This was interesting to read. Id love to try some of the NBN primers.
This does make sense to a degree if the barrier stops water which our skin actually needs for hydration. Might give Nude by Nature a shot next time.
Natural is the way to go every time
Thick ones with silicone are just awful
Such a great article, was not aware of this before. Very informative. Wil give the Nude by Nature primer a try.
Exactly. Silicone or not, one should always double cleanse to remove makeup.
As much as I like this primer (I really do), there is a logical flaw in this article.
In real fact, silicones do not clog pores. It is true that, if you are not diligent in removing makeup from skin, then silicone may cause other substance like oil to build up. However, if you are no diligent in removing makeup, then there are many substances (in addition to silicones), may directly or indirectly clog pores. So, it is unfair to single out silicone as the problem.
I just dont think about it. I simply do it on autopilot
So beautiful!
What you believe, remember, you can achieve happy wheels online free
I’ve been looking for a great primer lately, might try this one after reading this!
Handy knowledge to have, thank you
I tried the Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer Hydrate and Illuminate but I couldn’t get it to work for me. I preferred their original formula primer.