As for their enduring popularity, silicones have a range of properties that make them perfect additions to beauty formulas. They smooth and improve product application, increasing ‘slip’ and spreading; protect against water loss; provide water resistance and durability; help to repair skin or hair damage; add gloss; improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles; create breathable barriers; and can act as delivery systems for other ingredients.

To utilise these diverse qualities, silicones come in different forms, including fluids, waxes, polyethers and elastomers. One of the most commonly used is cyclomethicone, as its rapid rate of evaporation makes it a useful carrier for active ingredients that are designed to be absorbed by the skin. Cyclomethicone has come under regulatory scrutiny recently, however there are alternatives available in the form of short-chained dimethicones.   Dimethicone and dimethicone copolyol work by forming a breathable film over skin which then enables other ingredients to stay on the surface. They are frequently used in BB and CC creams, where they help to maintain even pigment tone.