- To determine if a product is water-based or silicone-based, look at the ingredients list for -cone/-methicone and -siloxane words near the top.
- Water is always listed first for liquid products to keep them spreadable, but this does not mean the product is water-based.
- Oil-based foundations are rare, but they can be used with either type of primer.
- In general, use water-based primers with water-based foundation and silicone- based primers with silicone= based foundation to avoid pilling.
- Moisturize well and let sunscreen absorb before applying makeup.
- A small amount of primer goes a long way; too much will cause foundation to slide off sooner.
My friend Karen came over to my house one day, looking for help.
“Sam, I need your help,” she said. “I can’t seem to figure out how to tell if my base products are silicone-, water-, or oil-based.”
I nodded, already knowing where this was going.
“Karen, have you ever heard of the Three Bears?”
“Of course!” she said, looking a little perplexed. “Goldilocks went into the bears’ house and tried their porridge, chairs, and beds, and she found that one was too hot, one was too cold, and one was just right.”
“Exactly,” I said. “It’s the same thing with base products. You need to find one that’s just right for your skin type.”
I went on to explain the differences between silicone-, water-, and oil-based products, and how to tell which type of base each product had.
The important takeaways were:
- To check the ingredient list to see if it includes any oils (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil), as this would indicate that the product is oil-based.
- That “oil-free” products may still contain pore-clogging ingredients, so always check the label before purchasing.
- To figure out whether a product is water-based or silicone-based, examine the ingredients list for -cone/-methicone and -siloxane phrases located near the top.
After I finished explaining, Karen looked thoughtful for a moment.
“So, let me get this straight,” she said. “If I want to use a silicone-based product, I should look for something that says ‘dimethicone’ on the label?”
I nodded.
“Yup, that’s right. And if you’re not sure, you can always do a patch test to be sure.”
Karen thanked me for my help and went on her way, armed with the knowledge of how to choose the right base product for her skin type. But I have a feeling she’ll be back soon, asking for more of my sage advice. 😉
Contents
How to Tell if Your Base Products are Silicone-, Water-, or Oil-Based
Are you curious about what base product is best for your hair? Do you want to learn how to tell if a product is silicone-, water-, or oil-based? If so, then read on. In this article, we will discuss each type of base product and how to determine which one is right for you.
It is essential to know the difference between silicone-, water-, and oil-based products because they can each have different effects on your hair. Silicone-based products can build up on your hair, causing it to become greasy and weigh down your hair.
Water-based products can moisturize your hair, making it softer and shinier. Oil-based products can protect your hair from heat damage and make it more manageable.
Now that you know the difference between these types of products, let’s discuss whether a product is silicone-, water-, or oil-based.
1. Look at the ingredients
The easiest way to do this is to look at the ingredients list on the product label. If the first ingredient is water, then the product is water-based. If the first ingredient is silicone, then the product is silicone-based.
And if the first ingredient is oil, then the product is oil-based. It is silicone-based if it contains dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, or any other type of silicone. Other words that may be used to denote a silicone-based product are “volatile,” “fluid,” and “cyclic.”
2. Check the consistency
Another way to tell if a product is silicone-, water-, or oil-based is by checking the consistency. A silicone-based product will have a light, slippery feel, while a water-based product will be more gel-like.
Oil-based products will have a thicker, creamier consistency. The consistency also varies depending on the type of silicone used. For example, dimethicone is a heavier silicone than Cyclopentasiloxane, so a product containing dimethicone will feel heavier than one with Cyclopentasiloxane.
3. Determine the purpose
You can also determine the type of base product by determining the purpose. Silicone-based products are typically heat protectants, hair oils, or conditioners.
Water-based products are used as leave-in conditioners, curl creams, or detanglers.
Oil-based products are used as deep conditioners, hair masks, or pre-poo treatments.
4. Do a patch test
If you’re still unsure whether a product is silicone, water, or oil-based, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product to your skin and wait a few minutes to see if there is any reaction.
The product is likely silicone-based if you experience any redness, itching, or burning. If you don’t experience any reaction, the product is likely either water-based or oil-based.
What are the effects of using a product that is not right for you?
Using a product incompatible with your skin type can cause problems such as dryness, irritation, and breakouts. Sometimes, using the wrong product can even worsen your skin condition.
That’s why it’s essential to choose a product suitable for your skin type and to ensure that you use it correctly.
If you’re unsure whether a product is right for you, always test it on a small area of skin first, and wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts. If you have sensitive skin, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist or other skin care professional before using any new products.
Is there anything else I should know about base products?
Yes! There are two different types of oil-based products: non-comedogenic and comedogenic. Non-comedogenic products don’t clog pores, making them ideal for people with acne-prone skin.
On the other hand, Comedogenic products can clog pores and should be avoided if you’re prone to breakouts.
You should also be aware that some products labeled “oil-free” may still contain pore-clogging ingredients. To determine if a product is oil-based, look at the ingredient list. If it includes any oils (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil), it’s an oil-based product.
On the other hand, water-based products will have “aqua” or “water” listed as the first ingredient. Silicone-based products will have “dimethicone” listed somewhere on the ingredient list.
Conclusion
Knowing if a product is silicone-, water-, or oil-based is vital for choosing the right product for your skin type. Remember to check the ingredient list, consistency, and purpose of the product to determine which type of base it is.
You can also do a patch test to be sure. And finally, keep in mind that “oil-free” products may still contain pore-clogging ingredients, so always check the label before purchasing.
Hi, I’m Tara Walsh, a makeup blogger for ButterSoda.com. I love all things beauty-related and love sharing my tips and tricks with others. You’ll find something useful on my blog, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. I specialize in natural makeup looks, but also love experimenting with different styles. Some of my favorites are smoky eyes and bold lips. I’m always on the lookout for the latest trends so you can find something new and exciting on my blog.
