Silicone's unique fluid properties give it a lot of slip, and it gives the skin a silky-feel, imparts emollience, and is a water-binding agent that functions well even when the skin is damp. In research, silicones have been shown to be superior scar-healing, non-irritating, and soothing agents. It's also used as a suspension agent for a number of skincare ingredients.

Because of silicone’s unique molecular properties, they are porous and resistant though not impermeable to air at the same time. Silicone suspended active ingredient allow the active ingredient to seep into the skin while silicone forms a permeable barrier on the surface offering protection against moisture loss.

Silicone has been shown to be helpful for offsetting dryness and flaking from drying active ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide.