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The use of Silk in cosmetics

Oct 3, 2007 | Makeup, Skincare, Tips

Who doesn’t love the feel of silk on your skin? When your skin is soft and smooth, you liken it to silk. When you hair feels soft and tangle-free, you say it is as smooth as silk.

Silk as we all know, comes from the common silkworm which spins the silk around itself to form a cocoon to protect the silkworm as it hibernates. This silk cocoon is what forms the silk threads and fibres as we know it.

But did you know that silk are used in cosmetics too? Research has found that silk has moisture retention qualities and UV ray blocking properties. One article I read stated that this might be because the silk is meant to protect the worm and so these qualities should be present.

With Japan and China being the traditional sources of silk, it comes as no surprise that it is in these countries that silk has been transformed into many uses and in our case, cosmetics and skincare. I found this article from Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo very interesting on the use of silk other than in textiles - its used not only in cosmetics but in food!

Also, did you know that Japanese cosmetics giant Kanebo actually started out in the textile business producing silk textiles? They were apparently, the first company to use silk extracts in a soap which was what launched them into the cosmetics market. You can read more about it here. And here’s another link with more information on silk powder and how it can be used in cosmetics.

What this brings me to is my experience with products containing silk powder. I’ve tried 2 products containing silk powder thus far.

Kanebo Silk powder. This comes as part of a set with the Kanebo Silk cream. My sister thinks its absolutely wonderful stuff, especially when used in dry weather as the silk in the cream and powder helps to seal in the moisture of the skin. You can read her review of this product on Pink Elle Reviews. However, at RM700+ a set, I balk at buying it for myself, no matter how wonderful it makes my skin feel.
Lumiere Cosmetics Pure Silk Powder. This pure silk powder is sold by Lumiere Cosmetics and is considered mineral makeup. It retails at $10 for 4g and $18 for 12g. I tried this too and its really good stuff. You can use it as a primer before foundation, or as a loose finishing powder after foundation. It seals in moisture so your skin doesn’t look dry and flakey but it also helps make your skin less oily. I never had to touch up or blot once throughout the day. I’m reviewing this as a separate review soon so watch out for it.

I read reviews from other people too who extoll the virtues of cosmetics containing silk powder. Those with oily skin say that it helps curb the oilies while those with dry skin say that it helps lock the moisture in so their skin doesn’t get any drier. On top of all that, silk has UV blocking properties which help under our hot tropical sun. So, it will help aid the effectiveness of your sunscreen.

I also read that silk in hair products help make your hair smoother and well… silkier. Some people add silk powder into their hair conditioner. I haven’t tried that yet because cosmetic grade silk powder isn’t very easy to come by here.

So, if like me, you can’t afford the luxury of silk textiles, try a little silk on your face. I think your skin will love it!

Picture courtesy of b r o o k l y n t w e e d