10 Great Silicone Free Foundation Products and Facts About Silicone

silicone free foundation

If you are looking for the best silicon-free foundation makeups, you don’t have to stress yourself anymore. We have curated a list of silicone-free foundation  (as well as dimethicone free foundation) products and you will get to learn more about why silicon is used in products and whether it is harmful in any way or beneficial to your skin.

Silicon and its derivatives like dimethicone are important ingredients that provide a lot of the needed features in most cosmetic products. However, many people are becoming wary of silicon-based makeups and cosmetic products.

Best Silicone-Free Foundation List

Fortunately, there are several alternative products that are silicone-free that you can use as alternatives to silicon-based products. See some of these products below.

See some of the best silicone free foundation products especially for people with oily skin. These products all have a minimum of 3.9 out of 5 stars review ratings.  These include -:

1. bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

bareMinerals Pure Serum Foundation, Bare Nude, 1 Fl Oz
Source: Amazon

The Pure Brightening Serum Foundation by BareMinerals is a mineral foundation designed to correct the uneven skin tone. It’s silicone-free and very soft as it does not contain oil. Its light structure makes it easy to apply, it goes on very smoothly and just one layer should be enough to cover redness or uneven skin tones. You don’t need to use it with any moisturizers. It is a good choice if you like easy makeup that gives a natural look.

2. Better Ur Skin Organic Liquid Foundation

Fifth & Skin (HONEY TAN) Better’n Ur Skin Liquid Foundation – Natural – Organic - Gluten Free - Vegan - Cruelty Free - Palm Free - Natural Sun Protection – Healthy, Buildable Coverage - 1 oz.
Source: Amazon

An organic and cruelty-free foundation by Skin2Spirit is a natural, aloe-based buildable formula that you can apply as much as you need and it will not turn cakey. The foundation is a silicone free liquid foundation, but it instantly dries to a powdery finish, covering all imperfections. It also has a nice vanilla smell and provides additional sun protection.

3. Lux Liquid Foundation

BaeBlu Organic Aloe-Based LUX Liquid Foundation, Natural Vegan Gluten-Free Made in USA, Nutmeg
Source: Amazon

An aloe-based foundation made with organic and all-natural ingredients by BaeBlu is designed to help cover ageing effects, blotting excess oil, and balancing dry spots. It’s very light and creamy and feels very smooth on the face. It is water-based so it is a good choice for people with dry skin or with skin redness problems. The product in the bottle may look darker than expected but it turns lighter on the skin.

4. W3LL Narcissist Foundation + Concealer Stick

WELL PEOPLE - Bio Stick Foundation | Clean, Non-Toxic Beauty (2W - Light, Gold Undertone)
Source: Amazon

This foundation and concealer is a natural product in a convenient stick form, making it very easy to apply on the go. It can be used both as a foundation and a concealer. It provides creamy and light coverage, which makes it a perfect choice for people with imperfect skin. Due to its natural formula, it does not cause breakouts and covers even major blemishes. You can put on a finishing powder for an even better effect.

5. Foundation 02 By Dr Hauschka

Dr. Hauschka Foundation, Almond
Source: Amazon

The natural and organic foundation by Dr. Hauschka is designed for sensitive skin so it does not contain ingredients that cause skin irritation like parabens or silicone. It makes it a perfect choice for people with problematic skin that is aggravated by wearing makeup. It provides light or medium coverage and goes on very smoothly, but you may need to apply additional concealer if you have any major blemishes.

6. Harvest Natural Beauty – Perfecting Organic Liquid Foundation

Harvest Natural Beauty - Perfecting Organic Liquid Foundation - Color Adjusting and Nourishing - 100% Natural and Certified Organic - Non-Toxic, Vegan and Cruelty Free (Sandalwood)
Source: Amazon

A natural and breathable product by Harvest Natural Beauty is an aloe-based foundation designed to correct uneven skin tones, available in eight different shades. It has got rich, natural ingredients and will not cause breakouts what makes it a perfect choice for people with problematic skin, easily irritated by wearing makeup. The company uses only eco-friendly ingredients and is Leaping Bunny certified.

7. Vapour Organic Beauty Soft Focus Foundation

Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation, S120 Light Medium, 1.14 Ounce
Source: Amazon

This natural foundation by Vapour Organic Beauty is a 100% eco-friendly product, with 70% of organic ingredients and 30% of minerals. Designed as a breathable foundation, it helps your skin maintain a healthy look and does not clog pores, providing a smooth soft finish. It feels lighter and more breathable than most of the foundations available on the market​.

8. RMS Beauty Uncover-Up Concealer and Foundation

Un Cover-Up All Natural Concealer and Foundation – RMS Beauty Foundation and Concealer – Organic Ingredients – Easy Application (22)
Source: Amazon

The RMS beauty Un-Cover-Up can be used both as a light foundation and as a concealer. It is meant to be used for minimal coverage makeup that will not look heavy, turn chalky or dry. The concealer in it minimizes the appearance of pores, covering imperfections and redness in the process. It is made from natural organic materials like beeswax, coconut oil, castor seed oil, jojoba, cocoa seed butter, rosemary extract etc. It is easy and quick to apply.

9. Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Luminous Foundation

Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Luminous Foundation, 123 Light Medium, 0.40 Ounce
Source: Amazon

A fully natural product based on sunflower seed oil and beeswax, this luminous foundation is a perfect match for sensitive, maturing, and dry skin due to its nourishing qualities and light coverage. You can use it as a build-up foundation as well because it blends in easily. It evens up skin tones and does not get oily. However, you may need some extra coverage in case of any major blemishes.

10. Natural Altruist Satin Mineral Foundation

W3LL PEOPLE - Natural Altruist Satin Mineral Foundation (Fair Pink 11)
Source: Amazon

A satin mineral-based foundation by W3LL PEOPLE is a vegan-friendly product that provides medium to full coverage due to its buildable formula. It moisturizes but does not get cakey despite its powder form. It is a perfect choice for oily and acne-prone skin in need of better coverage. You can also apply it on a silicone free foundation liquid as it eliminates shine.

Silicone Free Skincare Brands

There are a number of cosmetic brands that are committed to providing silicone-free skincare products that will deliver great results in enhancing your beauty. Most of these products are focused on people with sensitive skin, but if they can be used by anybody. Some of these silicone-free skincare brands include:

Silicon Free Foundation for Oily Skin

Foundation is very important if you have oily skin. It helps to keep your face dry so that your makeup can last for a long time.

Silicon derivatives like dimethicone are often used in making foundations with thick matte and smooth feel, but you can also find silicon-free foundations that are made for oily skin types with these same properties.

Consider using a lightweight foundation with a matte texture that can be washed off easily. Don’t forget that it is important to follow the right steps in applying your foundation for the best results.

Silicone Free Makeup Primer

Primers are useful for preparing the skin surface for makeup application. Silicone is used in most makeup primers because it has a unique property that makes it effective in filling up skin fissures or covering skin imperfections.

However, silicone is not suitable for everybody, and that is why it is important to use silicone-free primers that tend to meet the same need if you are sensitive to silicone. Silicone-free primers are often formulated to meet or address specific skincare needs. Many people often prefer to use them instead of the general use of silicone-free primers.

Some of the different types of silicone-free primers include:

Silicone-free Primer for Acne-Prone Skin

This is a set of silicone-free primers is suitable for people with acne or those whose skin is more susceptible to acne. Silicone is often considered as one of the compounds that can exacerbate acne or trigger a break out of acne on the skin. Hence, it is important to consider getting silicone-free primers for your beauty routines. Some good options include:

1. Better’n Ur Skin Foundation Mineral Primer

Fifth & Skin Better'n Ur Skin MINERAL MAKEUP PRIMER - Natural - Organic - Vegan - Cruelty Free - Hydrate, Minimize Pores & Lines - Lightweight, Non-Greasy - ALL Skin Types - Paraben Free - 1 oz.
Source: Amazon

2. Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer 

Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer Face Makeup, Silicone-Free Face Primer for Dry Skin, Pore Minimizing with 24HR Wear, 1.0 Fl oz
Source: Amazon

Silicone-free Primer for Oily Skin

There is also another type of silicone-free primer specifically formulated for people with oily skin. Most of these primers are also paraben and cruelty-free products, which may also be suitable for people with sensitive skin as well. Some of the best silicone-free primers for oily skin include:

1. Skindinavia Primer

Skindinavia Makeup Primer Spray Oil Control, 8 oz, 236 ml - Matte Beauty Control Pore-Minimizing Shine Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Cruelty-Free Extreme Longwear Long-lasting Make Up
Source: Amazon

2. Silicone-Free Makeup Primer With Coconut Oil

Silicone-Free Makeup Primer With Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, And Tapioca Starch. Improves Skin Texture & Appearance of Pores. Flawless Makeup Application. Vegan And Clean Skin Care.
Source: Amazon

Face Primer without Silicone

Face primers are very important makeup products that ensure that your makeup stays put on your face and does not wear off too quickly or easily. Silicone-free makeup primers significantly reduce the risk of clogging your skin pores and most of them are non-comedogenic. Some of the best face primers without silicone include:

1. TULA Probiotic Skin Care Primer Gel

TULA Skin Care Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel | Silicone-Free, Non-Comedogenic Face Primer Grips Makeup, Infused with Yuzu and Willowherb | 1.41 fl. oz.
Source: Amazon

2. Honest Beauty Everything Primer

Honest Beauty Everything Primer with Micronized Bamboo Powder, Matte, 1 Fl Oz
Source: Amazon

Silicone-Free Face Serum

Face serums are very effective in protecting the skin against sun damage, slowing down the skin ageing process that often leaves behind wrinkled and blemished skin. There are a lot of silicone-free face serums that are available if your skin is sensitive to silicone compounds or other irritants like parabens.

Most face serums also contain other ingredients that restore the skin, and help in cleansing and exfoliating it naturally. Some of these ingredients include antioxidants like vitamin C, hydration boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid which prevents the skin from becoming dry and keeps it plump and hydrated. Others include salicylic acid and niacinamide which help reduce inflammation and retinol which cleanses skin pores making them appear smaller. Some of the best silicone-free face serums include:

1. Vichy Mineral 89 Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, Facial Gel Moisturizer and Pure Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum for Sensitive or Dry Skin
Source: Amazon

2. Eva Natural Vitamin C Skin Clearing Serum

Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum Plus 2% Retinol, 3.5% Niacinamide, 5% Hyaluronic Acid, 2% Salicylic Acid, 10% MSM, 20% Vitamin C - Skin Clearing Serum - Anti Aging Skin Repair, Face Serum (1 oz)
Source: Amazon

Silicone-free BB Cream

BB creams typically are considered as multitasking creams because of the several functions that the cream is used for. They contain moisturizers that provide hydration, they also contain sunscreen that protects the skin from sun damage and antioxidants that protect the skin from aging. Most people prefer to use silicone-free BB creams because of sensitivity to silicone compounds or other associated irritants. Some good options of BB creams that do not contain silicone compounds include:

1. Juice Beauty BB Cream 

Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer Sand, 2 fl oz
Source: Amazon

2. Burt Bees BB Cream

Burt's Bees BB Cream with SPF 15, Light / Medium, 1.7 Oz (Package May Vary)
Source: Amazon

List of Silicone-free Moisturizers

Moisturizers are very important beauty products that work to keep your skin hydrated, smooth and soft. Silicone-free moisturizers are ideal for people who have sensitive skin that can get irritated from the use of conventional products that may contain silicone or other irritants. Other people refer to these moisturizers as dimethicone free moisturizers (dimethicone is another derivative of silicone). There are several options of moisturizers that do not contain silicone which you can use.

There are also silicone-free moisturizers that are suitable for people with oily skin. They serve a dual purpose of hydrating your skin and cleansing it from any excess oil or sebum from your skin.

Some of the best silicone-free moisturizers include:

1. Garnier Skin Active Kit

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Skincare Routine Kit for Sensitive Skin
Source: Amazon

2. LILY SADO Anti-Wrinkle Natural Facial Moisturizing Lotion

LILY SADO TEA+C Green Tea and Vitamin C Face Moisturizer - Natural Organic Vegan Facial Cream - Best Antioxidant, Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizing Lotion - Softens, Hydrates, Firms & Tones for Luscious , Radiant Skin. For Women & Men
Source: Amazon

3. Aloe Infusion Body and Face Moisturizer

Aloe Infusion Body and Face Moisturizer - All Natural Eczema Cream for Itchy Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin, Acne and Psoriasis - Organic Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Coenzyme Q10, Grape Seed Oil, Kukui Nut Oil
Source: Amazon

4. Maryann Organics Collagen Cream – Anti Aging Face Moisturizer

5. LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer

LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream for Face - Made in USA, Retinol Cream, Anti Aging Cream, Retinol Moisturizer for Face and Neck, Wrinkle Cream for Face, Retinol Complex - 1.7oz
Source: Amazon

Other Beauty Products Without Irritants

You may be interested in other products that do not contain skin irritants especially if you have sensitive skin and are looking for various skin care products that can be a good fit for your beauty needs.

People who have skin sensitivity issues are often likely to be sensitive to not just silicone but other irritants like parabens, silicates, phthalates, etc. often available in beauty products like makeup foundation, primers, powders, etc.

Some of these beauty products include:

Alcohol-free Foundation

Colorescience Natural Finish Pressed Foundation SPF 20, Light Beige
Source: Amazon

These are mostly makeup foundation products where alcohol or derivatives of alcohol are no used as solvents or the product does not contain any form of alcohol.

It contains carrot seed oil that nourishes the skin with Omega 3-6-9 and shields the skin from oxidative particles to give you a soft smooth skin complexion. It also contains Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant that helps guard against skin damage from free radicals.  It is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic and available in various shades.

It is 100% free from drying alcohols, chemical sunscreens, dyes, parabens, phthalates, etc.

Why is Silicon Used in Foundations and Other Cosmetic Products?

Silicon is used in foundations mainly because of its smoothness and adherence property for color, pigments, and other particles.

Silicon and its derivative compounds are common ingredients in most conventional cosmetic products like sunscreens, shampoos, makeups, creams, etc. It is a commonly used ingredient because of its unique properties which are important in delivering products or making products last longer on the skin.

Some of the important functions that silicon-based compounds are used for in-product ingredients include -: waterproofing, moisture retention, color pigment adherence, smoothness, etc.

Some of the silicon derivatives like dimethicone and Cyclomethicone are used as solvents and delivery fluid for active ingredients in products. These compounds also have a smooth feel which makes them add great cosmetic and aesthetic value to the products especially foundations for textured skin.

Another group of silicon compounds is used as emulsifiers which serve a good medium (gel, cream, lotion) for cosmetic products like liquid foundations and stabilizers that prevent chemicals in the same product preparation from reacting.

There are also a set of silicon-based compounds with high refractive index and compatibility with waxes are used for producing smooth, glossy, and colored products like lips sticks and some finishing foundations.

FAQs About Silicone Free Foundation

Is Silicone Bad for Your Skin?

I guess you have asked this question before or at least heard it somewhere –“Is silicone good for the skin”, “does silicon clog pores” etc.

There is a common explanation that molecules of most silicon compounds are too large to penetrate the skin and their residue on the skin surface result in blockade of skin pores. When skin pores are blocked, sebum and other debris get trapped there which can cause skin pores to get enlarged as well as irritations including acne breakouts.

It is also explained that when silicon-based compounds get deposited on your skin, it prevents the skin from getting much-needed moisture which can also lead to irritations and even dry skin.

Is silicone Primer Good for Your Skin?

Silicone primer is not bad for your skin except if your skin is sensitive to it. Silicone primers enhance your makeup by diminishing the appearance of pores, providing hydration for your skin, and helping your makeup to last longer.

Is Silicone Safe for Skin Contact?

Silicones or silicon derived beauty products are very safe for skin contact as long as they are applied to the skin and not ingested. While silicone is considered hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, some people may be sensitive to other ingredients that are used or mixed together with silicone or silicone derivatives to make new products.

Facts About Use of Silicone Cosmetic Products

Many people are concerned that silicon-based products may not be good for their skin for various reasons. However, there is very little or no scientific evidence to support this. Most of the issues that people complain about may just be anecdotal cases without any strong scientific evidence.

However, chances are that your skin can be reacting to some other components in cosmetic products like makeup foundation that may contain silicon compounds. This is understandable and it’s okay to avoid silicone-containing products if you have any of these concerns. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to silicone-free cosmetic products like silicon-free foundations that you can use.

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