Crosslinked silicones, otherwise known as elastomers, are among the newest types of silicone on the market and are typically found in anti-aging products. They create a ‘soft-focus’ blurring effect that helps to conceal imperfections, lines and wrinkles by reflecting and diffusing light. Silicone elastomers have a distinctive dry, silky feel on the skin and also act to absorb excess oil, mattifying and evening out skin tone.

In sun care products, silicones add water-resistance, providing protection for longer periods while avoiding the stickiness associated with many organic sunscreens. Acrylates siloxanes are particularly suitable to provide these properties; They play a similar role in cosmetics, making mascaras waterproof and long-lasting, and giving additional staying power to lipsticks, eyeliners, foundations, eyeshadows and blushers, as well as enabling them to be applied more smoothly.