The Truth About Silicones in Haircare

What they do, why we don’t use them, and how we create slip without the residue.

A Common Ingredient — and a Common Question

Silicones are found in many mainstream haircare products. They’re known for delivering immediate softness, smoothing frizz, and giving hair that glassy, slip-through-the-fingers feel.

So why doesn’t Maralea Sun use them?

In this Calm Care Journal entry, we’ll walk through what silicones really do, how they function in haircare, and why we choose plant-based alternatives instead. Our goal isn’t to create fear — it’s to offer clarity, so you can feel confident in what touches your scalp and strands.

What Are Silicones, Exactly?

Silicones are synthetic polymers derived from silica (a component of sand). In hair products, they’re used as:

• Surface smoothers — to coat the hair cuticle and reduce frizz
• Shine enhancers — by creating a reflective layer
• Detanglers — reducing friction between strands

Common names include dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, and amodimethicone. These ingredients are generally considered safe by cosmetic standards, but there’s more to consider beyond safety.

The Drawbacks of Silicone Buildup

While silicones offer a short-term feeling of softness, they don’t actually nourish or hydrate the hair. In fact, they can:

• Accumulate over time and block moisture from entering the hair shaft
• Leave residue on the scalp, especially when used with low-lather or sulfate-free shampoos
• Lead to dullness, dryness, or limpness without regular clarifying

That’s why many people who switch to natural haircare experience a noticeable transition period — not because of what’s missing, but because of what’s been coating their hair.

Our Philosophy: Slip, Not Seal

At Maralea Sun, we believe softness should come from nourishment — not synthetic coating. Our plant-based formulas are designed to:

• Support hair hydration from the inside out
• Smooth without sealing the cuticle unnaturally
• Rinse cleanly and completely, without buildup

We use ingredients like:

• Coco-caprylate – a coconut-derived emollient that mimics the feel of silicone, naturally
• Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride – a plant-based detangler that enhances glide
• Sunflower seed oil glycerides – to add light, replenishing moisture

These provide that clean, conditioned feeling — without the need to block or coat the hair.

What to Expect Without Silicones

If you're transitioning from silicone-based products, you might notice:

• Slightly less “slip” at first — especially in wet hair
• A lighter, fresher feel over time
• Hair that feels more alive — less slick, more naturally soft

This is part of the recalibration. It’s not a step backward — it’s a return to your hair’s natural rhythm.

In Summary

Silicones create the feeling of health, but not the substance of it. At Maralea Sun, we want both.

That’s why we’ve chosen clean, plant-based alternatives that support real softness, scalp breathability, and long-term balance — without buildup, barriers, or shortcuts.

Have questions about ingredient swaps or your own transition away from silicones? We’re always happy to help: hello@maraleasun.com