7 Compelling Reasons to Incorporate Silicones in Sunscreen Formulations

Posted on: April 8, 2025

Sunscreens are now an essential part of an everyday skincare routine due to the constant improvements made to alleviate concerns about skin damage caused by the sun’s rays. Over the years, consumers’ expectations regarding the formulation of sunscreen products have grown, necessitating a more significant consideration of both effectiveness and the feel of the product on the skin. Silicones are one class of ingredients that consistently perform superbly in sun protection products.

Recently, there has been a significant shift in the formulation of sunscreen products, with the use of inorganic minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide increasing at the expense of organic chemicals like avobenzone and oxybenzone. These changes coincide with the ‘natural beauty’ era, which presents a contradiction between high-performing products consumers expect and natural ingredients that consumers want to use. This is precisely where silicones prove their worth and showcase astonishing performance.

Advantage That Silicones Brings to Sun Protection Products

1. Enhanced Ease Of Application And Greater Coverage

Sunscreens with mineral-based active ingredients tend to have a thick texture, making application challenging. With silicones in sunscreen products, the experience with Mineral based sunscreens is greatly improved and made more manageable through enhanced spreadability as the sunscreen can ‘glide’ over the skin. This ease of application guarantees uniform and fast distribution to all areas of the body for maximum protection.

As highlighted by one industry report, “Silicones facilitate even and prompt application of sunscreen since they spread easily on the skin,” implying that structuring them quantitatively can optimize sun protection. Without even distribution, the skin is at greater risk of UV damage.

2. Absence of White Cast

Darker-toned skin often comes across as whitewashed by mineral-based sunscreens in the form of eyewash. Silicones, however, help with the dispersion of mineral UV filters, meaning the chalky white cast left is significantly lessened. By improving the optical properties of the formulation, silicones help create more inclusive sun protection products suitable for all skin tones.

3. Enhanced Sensory Experience

Prospective consumers are most likely to perceive the provided sunscreen as an aid if the tactile experience is appealing, prompting higher use engagement. Routine applications become more enjoyable by incorporating silicones, which grant a non-greasy, lightweight feel. Formulators note, “Silicones are lightweight and non-greasy, so they do not contribute to the heaviness and greasiness commonly encountered after applying some sunscreens.”

Unlike these many alternatives, achieving comfort means the application becomes more frequent without the uncomfortable, sticky residue, also known as post-application discomfort, seen in silicone-based formulations. This encourages users towards adequate sun protection.

4. Sweat and Water Resistance

For more active people, water and sweat resistance in their sun protection is paramount. Silicones create a watertight yet breathable barrier on the skin, making it easier for the sunscreen to be effective during swimming, exercise, or even in humid weather. With these qualities, the sunscreen doesn’t have to be reapplied often, making it perfect for outdoor activities and days on the beach.

The water-resistant properties of silicones help maintain the protective barrier against UV radiation and still withstand harsh environments while providing reliable protection when absolutely necessary.

5. Hypoallergenic and Gentle For The Skin

Silicones are famous for their skin compatibility and how gentle they are on one’s skin. Finding a sunscreen that is effective for sensitive skin is a daunting task. Silicones provide hypoallergenic options that do not irritate the skin.

Silicones also do not block pores, which means they are non-comedogenic. This property makes silicones suitable for those with oily skin who need protection. Silicones form a barrier that shields the skin from the sun, and with these qualities, they do not lock too much moisture inside the skin, allowing it to breathe freely.

6. Formulation Efficiency

Mineral sun filter silicones are considered exceedingly effective in synergy with cosmetics. A small amount of silicone goes a long way in improving the effectiveness of the end product. Industry experts mention: “Silicones are effective in dispersing mineral sun filters. A few per cent can make a significant difference.” This effectiveness provides formulators with the necessary latitude to meet standards.

7. Compatibility with Other Skincare Ingredients

Silicones are known for enhancing almost any skincare ingredient, making them very useful in multifunctional sunscreen products. Combined with antioxidants or moisturizers, and even anti-aging ingredients, silicones interfere with none of these supporting constituents and their actions. This complementarity makes it possible to create advanced formulations that protect the skin from the sun while providing additional skin care.

While choosing sun protection products, consumers must shift their focus from classifying ingredients to looking at the bigger picture. Silicones have distinctive benefits that, alongside the performance of mineral sunscreens, improve user experience, thus ensuring regular usage and adequate protection from the sun.

The “natural beauty” approach has adequately addressed the issues of sustainable ingredient procurement and environmental impact. Still, it is more important to note that functionality and user experience also dictate the habitual use of a product. A sunscreen that feels unpleasant to apply is sitting untouched in a cabinet, providing no protection.

In sun protection products, silicones give unparalleled ease of application, increased water resistance, diminished white residue, and enduring comfortable protection. To the average consumer trying to make sense of all the choices available in sun protection, silicone formulations present a balanced blend of effectiveness, comfort, and safety.

For delicate skin that needs gentle yet substantial defence, or for a general consumer wishing for a more manageable daily sunscreen use experience, these materials make sun protection more effective and enjoyable. Silicones are also changing with the shift toward more sustainable strategies in the personal care universe. These materials will continue to serve as essential aids in combating harmful UV radiation.