Can’t use shampoo containing silicone oil?

Not really

In recent years, there has been a heated discussion about whether shampoo should contain silicone oil. Some people believe that shampoo containing silicone oil will clog pores, cause hair loss and even cause cancer, so they are more willing to choose silicone-free products. However, this view is not quite correct.

When people talk about silicone oil, they are usually referring to polydimethylsiloxane, also known as dimethicone. This is a commonly used silicone compound in cosmetics and skin care products. The reason why it is widely used is that it has good lubricity and stability, and can form a protective film on the surface of hair, thereby effectively alleviating hair damage, reducing friction, and making hair smoother and easier to comb.

Therefore, for people who often perm or dye their hair or have dry hair, using a shampoo containing silicone oil can significantly improve the texture and appearance of their hair, and even significantly reduce breakage and split ends.

Although there are rumors that silicone oil will clog pores, as long as the shampoo is used properly and cleaned thoroughly, silicone oil will hardly remain on the scalp, so it will not accumulate in the hair follicles and cause clogging. In addition, the size and properties of silicone oil molecules actually determine that it is difficult for it to penetrate deep into the hair follicles. In addition, the silicone oil content in shampoo is usually very low, so the negative impact is quite small. In addition, silicone oil does not cause hair loss, so there is no need to blindly worry about this risk.

If someone is allergic to silicone oil or has special scalp problems, they can choose products without silicone oil. But in general, shampoo containing silicone oil is safe and beneficial for most people. Many so-called "silicone-free" products on the market are not necessarily better choices. Everyone should keep their eyes open and make choices based on their actual needs and reactions.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital