Double sided effect of silicone oil in cosmetics
One out of every three lipsticks worldwide contains silicone oil, a transparent liquid that is reshaping the sensory experience of cosmetics. In Estee Lauder DW Makeup Holding liquid foundation, the surface tension of dimethyl silicone oil is only 21mN/m, which is 1/3 of water. This enables the powder to spread evenly between the skin texture, forming a 0.3 μ m breathable film.
But the molecular properties of silicone oil also bring controversy. Although its unique "film-forming sealing" mechanism can lock in water, it may hinder the normal metabolism of sebum. A study by Tokyo Institute of Technology found that after using silicone oil skincare products continuously for 3 months, 23% of participants experienced abnormal follicular keratinization. This prompted the cosmetics industry to develop a modified silicone oil - by introducing polyether groups, the new silicone oil has both moisturizing and breathable properties, achieving 8-hour continuous moisture in Shiseido Red Kidney essence, while reducing the pore clogging rate to below 5%.