Before creating our makeup looks, we always reach for a silicone-free primer. By now, you probably already know about the many benefits of wearing a face primer in general. (Though if you need a refresher, here are our best face primers.) Our Hydro Grip and Pore Eclipse Primers have been named the GOATs of makeup primers by people who know best, including, but limited to, beauty editors and the girlies on BeautyTok.
But one question that often comes up regarding these makeup MVPs: Are Milk Makeup’s face primers silicone-free? Yes, they are—and we’re here to explain what that formulation means for makeup application, and why using a silicone-free primer matters.
What is silicone?
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, silicones are “any of a diverse class of fluids, resins, or elastomers based on polymerized siloxanes, substances whose molecules consist of chains made of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms.” In layman’s terms? They’re synthetic substances added to cosmetics and other formulas to affect the look and feel of a beauty product. They can also work as barriers between the skin and outside environmental factors, like heat and pollution.
Why is silicone used in primers?
Silicones are generally used in skincare products to improve their spreadability, says New York City-based dermatologist Carmen Castilla, M.D. “Silicones make skincare products feel more cosmetically elegant,” she adds. “They impart a velvety texture when applying products on the skin.”
Silicones serve a similar purpose in makeup products. They help foundations, blushes, and concealers glide on with a silky, super-soft feel “that spreads easily onto skin and allows the makeup to blend out smoothly as well,” adds Jessica Blanco, Milk Makeup SVP of Product Development and Packaging. Silicone also helps provide a base for smooth makeup application, helps makeup last longer, and provides a blurred, soft-focus finish.
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How do silicone-based and silicone-free primers affect skin?
Right about now, you’re probably thinking that silicone primers sound pretty…good. But here’s the exciting thing: Milk Makeup’s face primers and other makeup offerings can achieve an excellent base—sans silicones. Instead, we use a naturally-occurring mineral called silica and other pore-blurring powders. All are cruelty-free and oil-free, as well as fragrance-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free.
So why leave silicones out of our makeup formulations, particularly face primers? In recent years, silicone has gotten something of a bad rap among ingredient-conscious consumers concerned that the synthetic ingredient may clog pores, accentuate the appearance of pores and fine lines, or might not be as environmentally friendly as other primers on the market.
According to Dr. Castilla, there is nothing inherently unsafe about using silicone-based makeup, though. “To date, no clinical study has uncovered any long-term health effects from using silicones” in makeup applications, she says.
If you’re worried about short-term concerns, such as clogged pores, the derm says there isn’t much to worry about there either. “Another common misconception is that silicones can block pores and increase pore size,” she says. “This is simply not true, silicones are non-comedogenic and won't enlarge pores or cause acne breakouts.”
That said, if you’re concerned about the environment, there’s a case to be made that silicones don’t break down when washed off. Others simply prefer face primers made with naturally-derived ingredients. "Silicones are made through the chemical processing of natural ingredients silicon, oxygen, and typically hydrogen and carbon,” explains Castilla. “The biggest concern people have with silicones is they are synthetic. However, the fact that they are synthetically derived does not make them inherently bad.”
Silicone-free primers, particularly ours, also provide more skincare benefits than potential concerns. Hydro Grip Primer is spiked with deeply hydrating ingredients, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe juice, alongside makeup-gripping ones, to make even dry skin look dewy. Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer, on the other hand, is the best primer for oily skin because it uses niacinamide and lentil extract to help minimize the look of pores and control shine, respectively. Both act as a natural last step of any skincare routine, regardless of skin type and skin tone.
What's the difference between silicone-based primers and water-based primers?Aside from the fact that they are made with different ingredients, the biggest difference between these face primer formulations is their consistency. Water-based primers, like Milk Makeup’s, are usually thinner, more lightweight, and can help brighten skin. Plus, they are better for dry skin and even sensitive skin, explains Blanco. Meanwhile, “Primers with silicone are usually better for normal to oily skin,” she adds. They usually tout a matte finish to help blur the appearance of pores and fine lines (even if it means emphasizing skin texture along the way). The main thing to consider for your primer wishlist is what kind of foundation you prefer wearing. For instance, you might not want to use a hydrating primer that leaves a dewy finish if you’re using a matte foundation. Our Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer is best when you want a soft-focus, matte finish to your makeup routine. Reach for Hydro Grip when a glassy, dewy glow is your goal. The takeaway: Hydro Grip and Pore Eclipse are no-brainers, whether you’re specifically in the market for a silicone-free primer or you want more of an antioxidant-rich bang for your buck at checkout. |
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Meet the Expert:
Carmen Castilla, MD, is a New York City-based dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai. She specializes in both cosmetic and medical dermatology.
Jessica Blanco is the SVP of Product Development and packaging at Milk Makeup. She has spent 14 years working in product development, previously working with brands such as Avon and LF Beauty.
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