Hi Phi, welcome here!

Mixing lubricant, including silicone oil, is commonly done - BUT I would not do it with compounds as varied as 20 and 10,000. With a factor of 1 to 2, yes. One producer (Wacker I believe) gives diagrams and formulas for the resulting viscosity; if memory serves, they combine the log of the viscosity as the mix proportions.

What can happen? First, I'm not quite sure that 20 and 10,000 are both liquid. But one unwanted result is that the lighter oil may evaporate, especially in vacuum, leaving only the paste. I can't exclude neither that shear segregates the short and long molecules locally, leaving an unexpected viscosity at the most critical location, the contact point.

Silicone oil isn't that expensive. You could get a few oils around your target viscosity and mix only similar ones.

You already know that silicone oil is a

bad lubricant

For more information, please visit OSi Silicone.

, don't you? It's a "non-newtonian" fluid, whose viscosity drops at high shear number, that is, near the contact point. It gets thinner exactly where a lubricant shoud bring its viscosity, so silicone doesn't separate the moving parts. Hydrocarbons are nearly irreplaceable as lubricants. I can't tell how a mix behaves for that.

If you can, take a true lubricant. Silicone oil is more or less mandatory in vacuum and such very special cases. If you need silicone, maybe you find some with graphite or other powder that will lubricate your parts at the contact point.

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Most silicone oils and greases are just poly(dimethylsiloxane) of varied length which determines the viscosity, boiling point if any, density and so on, yes. Though, some silicones (oils?) differ: you also get poly(di

phenyl

siloxane) and other variants. But within the oil families I know, the oils differ just by the length.

Look at the ingredient list for your favorite skincare products, shampoos, or cosmetics, and there&#;s a decent chance you&#;ll see silicones listed. These synthetic polymers have become popular in skincare products due to their ability to enhance texture, spreadability, and create a soft, smooth feel on the skin.

However, the use of silicones in beauty products has been met with some controversy. While some experts attest to their safety and efficacy, others express concerns about their potential negative impact on the environment. So, it&#;s a good idea to have a solid understanding about what silicones are in order to determine if you should include them in your routine.

Here, we&#;ll explain what you need to know about silicones and their use in skincare. 

What are silicones?

Silicone is a type of material that is used in many applications because it repels water. This means that when water touches it, the water droplets don't stick to the material but instead roll off.¹ 

Silicones come in various materials, including gels, lubricants, foams, and adhesives.² They tend to be quite stable and unreactive, and are used in a variety of medical applications. In fact, they are widely utilized for breast augmentation and cosmetic procedures.³

The use of silicone-based products for the treatment of non-healing wounds has also become more common in recent years. Silicone gel has been found to speed up the re-epithelialization process (essentially, the healing process) by interacting both physically and biologically with the tissue.&#; Additionally, the application of silicone gel forms a protective film on the skin.&#;

What are the pros associated with silicone use?

Silicone has gained popularity as a skincare ingredient due to its ability to promote faster resurfacing, which refers to the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to reveal a smoother complexion. Its unique properties, including a decrease in surface tension, make it easy to apply to the skin. 

Skin healing properties

One of the benefits of silicone use in skincare is its ability to aid in the skin healing process via the migration of the cells which line the surface of the body, also known as epithelial cells, from deeper portions of the body, such as sweat glands.&#;

For more than three decades, topical silicone has been utilized as a method of improving the aesthetic appearance of scars and, more recently, in improving the healing of complicated wounds or those resulting from cosmetic and post-surgical procedures. 

Scientific studies have demonstrated that it can make scars softer, smoother and reduce redness. Additionally, topical silicone has been shown to alleviate itchiness associated with scars, known as pruritus, and minimize the overall pigmentation of the affected area.&#;

Ease of application

Silicones are a group of synthetic materials that have become increasingly popular in the cosmetic industry due to their unique properties. They are commonly used in skincare creams, shampoos, and conditioners due to their non-toxic nature and high lubricity. 

One of the primary benefits of using silicones in cosmetics is their ability to create a smooth and silky texture that feels pleasant on the skin.&#; Silicones are also effective in preventing foaming,&#; which makes them a valuable ingredient in products such as shaving cream, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. 

Protective barrier

Silicones are used in skincare products due to their ability to act as a barrier that can isolate an area from the external environment. The barrier function of silicones can help protect the skin from various external factors that can cause damage or irritation.¹&#; 

This makes them particularly useful in products such as hair care products, where they may help to reduce damage from heat styling. 

Additionally, they can reduce transepidermal water loss, which occurs when water evaporates from the skin's surface, leaving it dry and dehydrated.¹¹ By forming a protective layer over the skin, silicones can help to keep the skin hydrated.

Overall, the barrier and lubricating properties of silicones make them a valuable ingredient in skincare products. By isolating the skin from external factors and reducing friction and transepidermal water loss, they can help protect and nourish the skin, potentially leading to a healthier and more radiant complexion. 

If you're interested in incorporating silicones into your skincare routine, you can find them in a variety of products such as moisturizers, serums, and primers. It's always important to read the ingredient labels and consult with a dermatology provider if you have any concerns or questions about specific ingredients.

Are there cons associated with silicone use?

Silicones are widely used in the cosmetic industry due to their various benefits, such as creating a silky texture and improving product spreadability. While the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety, a non-profit scientific body founded in , has concluded that silicones are generally safe for their present use when formulated to be non-irritating,¹² some concerns have been raised about their impact on the environment. 

Specifically, certain types of silicones may not be biodegradable and can persist in aquatic environments due to their hydrophobic nature.¹³ The hydrophobic nature of silicones means that they repel water and can form a barrier on the skin, reducing water loss and friction. However, this property can also make them difficult to break down in nature. Therefore, some have raised concerns about their potential effects on the environment.

Because of this, researchers are actively searching for more environmentally sustainable alternatives.¹&#;

Skincare that works for you

The ease of application and ability to promote skin healing are just a few of the unique properties that make silicones a valuable ingredient in skincare products. They can also act as a barrier, reducing mechanical friction and transepidermal water loss, which helps to protect and nourish the skin, leading to a healthier and more radiant complexion.

Additionally, silicones have been found to be effective in creating a silky texture and improving product spreadability, making them a popular choice for many skincare formulations.

Additional reading:
1,4 BDO (1,4-Butanediol) FAQ
4 Tips to Choose the Best Iodine Balls
What is the best Cryotherapy Chamber?

Are you interested in learning more about Silicone Fluids? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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FAQs

Is silicone okay in skincare?

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that silicone in skin care products is generally safe. Forms of silicone, such as dimethicone, do not interact with the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin, and are therefore unlikely to penetrate the skin barrier.

What are silicones used for in skincare?

Silicones feel soft on the skin, so they are often used to give beauty products a smooth finish. They fill the cracks and crevices of skin and are commonly found in primers for this reason.

What ingredients are silicones?

Some commonly known silicone ingredients are dimethicone, cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethiconol, and amodimethicone.

Is silicone and glycerin the same thing?

No, there is a fundamental difference between silicone and glycerin. Silicone is a synthetic compound made of silica, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Glycerin is derived from animal fats or vegetable oils.

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P.S. We did the homework so you don't have to: 

Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.

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Our medical review process: &#;

We&#;re here to tell you what we know. That&#;s why our information is evidence-based and fact-checked by medical experts. Still, everyone&#;s skin is unique&#;the best way to get advice is to talk to your healthcare provider.

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Empowering you with knowledge is our top priority. Our reviews of other brands&#; products in this post are not paid endorsements&#;but they do meet our medically fact-checked standards for ingredients (at the time of publication).

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Meredith Hartle, DO

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit What Is Silicone Oil.