Vitamin C Forum

Silicone Elastomer Gels

Many types of silicone are rated a 1 on the Skin Deep Environmental Working Group Page.
Skin deep gives chemicals a toxicity rating from 1-10 with 10 being the worst.
Here is an example:

Dimethicone (a silicone) has a rating of 1-3 depending on how much you use.

Other MODERATE concerns: Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive); Other LOW concerns: Data gaps, Ecotoxicology

About DIMETHICONE: Dimethicone (also called polymethylsiloxane) is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent.

Function(s): Antifoaming Agent; Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive; Skin Protectant; EMOLLIENT; SKIN CONDITIONING; SKIN PROTECTING

Synonym(s): DIMETHICONE COPOLYOL; DIMETHYL SILICONE; HIGHLY POLYMERIZED METHYL POLYSILOXANE; METHYL POLYSILOXANE; SILICONE L-45; DC 1664; DIMETHICONE 350; DIMETICONE; DOW CORNING 1664; MIRASIL DM 20; VISCASIL 5M

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php ... imethicone

Should we use elastomers or Liposomes?
Elastomers give creams a silky feel but they have long chemical names like Dimethicone.

Studies show liposomes cross skin barrier.

Phosphatidylcholine liposomes as carriers to improve topical ascorbic acid treatment of skin disorders
Liposomes have been intensively investigated as carriers for different applications in dermatology and cosmetics. Ascorbic acid has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties preventing photodamage of keratinocytes; however, due to its instability and low skin penetration, an appropriate carrier is mandatory to obtain desirable efficacy. The present work investigates the ability of a specific ascorbate phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposome to overcome the barrier of the stratum corneum and deliver the active agent into the dermis to prevent photodamage.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4687614/