“Have you ever thought about what’s really in your skincare and makeup?” Our founder, Barbara, often asks. “Imagine waking up and discovering that a common ingredient—this silky-smooth operator, might be hiding in your moisturizer, primer, foundation, serum, hair serum or sunscreen. Silicones.”
And here’s the surprising part—over just 24 hours, your skin is coated with this invisible film. Now, pause for a moment—think about a week, a month, a whole year… What do you think this overload of silicones is doing to your skin?
At Botáni, we believe that true beauty comes from supporting your skin’s natural vitality — not coating it in plastic-like films. Our approach is humble, rooted in the wisdom of nature, much like the olive tree that inspires us. We’re passionate about creating green, sustainable beauty that nurtures your skin and respects the planet. Our simple motto
The Truth About Silicones in Skin Care
You’ve probably felt that silky, glossy finish after applying your moisturizer, primer, or serum. But what’s behind that smooth sensation? Many mainstream skincare products contain silicones — synthetic compounds like dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane (D5), and cyclohexasiloxane (D6). These ingredients give products that instantly pleasing texture but come with hidden costs.
Understanding Silicones in Everyday Language
Dimethicone (PDMS / silicone oil): Provides a silky glide but acts like cling wrap on your skin, covering rather than nourishing.
Cyclopentasiloxane (D5): Creates that quick-drying, smooth feel but can penetrate into deeper skin layers, disrupting natural barriers.
Cyclohexasiloxane (D6): Dried fast in products like deodorants and hair sprays but persists in the environment, harming wildlife and ecosystems.
The Science Behind the Shine
Recent dermatological studies reveal that these silicones aren’t just inert. They can penetrate deep into the skin, challenge the skin’s natural barrier, and weaken its ability to protect and heal itself. Moreover, cyclic silicones like D5 and D6 are classified as pollutants — they linger in soil, water, and even marine life, posing risks to ecosystems and bioaccumulating over time.
Our Commitment: Plant-Based, Biodegradable Alternatives
At Botáni, we believe skincare should work with your skin and with nature — not against it. That’s why we’ve chosen to say no to silicones and instead embrace plant-based, biodegradable ingredients like coco caprylate.
Coco Caprylate — derived from coconuts — is our main plant-based alternative that mimics the silky glide of traditional silicones without harming the environment. We proudly incorporate coco caprylate into some of our most loved formulations:
Rescue Acne Cream: Nourishes and soothes without synthetic film-forming ingredients.
Acai Berry Active Antioxidant Serum: Delivers antioxidant power with a natural, breathable finish.
Coconut Hair and Body Oil: Provides that luxurious, silky feel, all while supporting sustainability.
While these plant-based alternatives may cost a bit more, they align with our mission to create natural skin care that’s safe, effective, and eco-friendly.
Pioneering the Future of Green Sustainable Beauty
We’re not stopping here. Our team is investing in next-generation “green silicones” derived from olives and coconuts — innovative textures that give you the silky feel you love, without the environmental impact. Because plant-based skin care shouldn’t be a compromise; it should be the standard.
The Bottom Line
Silicones might offer instant shine, but their cumulative effects on your skin and the environment are a quiet, ongoing concern. Consumers deserve the choice between temporary gloss and lasting, healthy radiance. That’s why at Botáni, we stand for green, sustainable beauty — formulations that care for your skin and our planet.
Because true beauty isn’t wrapped in plastic. It’s rooted in nature, nurtured with love, and designed to breathe. Green beauty vital to healthy skin
References (RMIT Harvard style)
- Krenczkowska, D., Mojsiewicz-Pieńkowska, K., Wielgomas, B., Bazar, D. & Jankowski, Z. 2020, ‘Ex Vivo Human Skin is not a Barrier for Cyclic Siloxanes (Cyclic Silicones): Evidence of Diffusion, Bioaccumulation, and Risk of Dermal Absorption Using a New Validated GC-FID Procedure’, Pharmaceutics, vol. 12, no. 6, 586, DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060586.
- Mojsiewicz-Pieńkowska, K., Krenczkowska, D., Karpińska, J. & Caban, M. 2020, ‘Evidence of Skin Barrier Damage by Cyclic Siloxanes (Silicones)’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 21, no. 17, 6375, DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176375.
- Kumari, K., Singh, A. & Marathe, D. 2024, ‘Cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (D4, D5, and D6) as the emerging pollutants in environment: environmental distribution, fate, and toxicological assessments’, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 31, pp. 38681-38709, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25568-7.
