Scientists may never discover the fountain of youth, but that doesn't mean you have to look your age. Personal care products containing silicones help minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, keep your skin feeling silky smooth, and restore your hair's luster, smoothness and volume, so you can look as young as you feel.

More than half of all beauty and personal care products contain at least one silicone product - the material widely recognized for its performance-enhancing properties in skin-, hair- and sun-care products, color cosmetics and antiperspirants. Studies show that adding just one cent worth of silicone to a 300-gram hair-conditioning rinse can provide twice the dry-combing benefits and increase the hair's shine by 20%.

"Consumers want beauty and personal care products that deliver results, are easy to use and affordable, and require minimal reapplication," Kevin Murphy, global marketing manager for Dow Corning's Xiameter brand said. "Silicone technology is fueling the next generation of products that provide these benefits simultaneously, promoting a more youthful appearance."

In recent years, silicones have enabled the creation of products with multifunctional benefits, such as sun protection and conditioning for hair, and cosmetics that feel better on the skin and offer extended wear. These convenient, new options offer consumers twice the benefits in just one product, saving both time and money.

Silicones can be combined with a wide variety of other ingredients, offering consumers a greater selection of products that meet their individual needs and preferences. For example, silicones can be blended with organic materials such as butters and oils to satisfy market demand for naturally derived products as well as ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants and minerals without compromising comfort or performance.