Dimethicone/cycomethicone?

What the heck are dimethicone and cyclomethicone?  They are unmodified silicones.
The following is directly from this website:

http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/silicone_use.html
"Silicone Use with Skin and Hair
Unmodified silicones stay on or near the surface of the skin. Not only are the molecules too big to physically enter past the upper living cells -- they associate with the upper layer of drying skin -- but they also cannot penetrate cell membranes due to their large size. They also dislike both the water and proteins inside cells.
Cyclomethicones are unmodified silicones. They evaporate quickly after helping to carry oils into the top layer of epidermis. From there, they may be absorbed by the skin. Cyclomethicones a similar function in hair care products by helping nutrients enter the hair shaft.
Dimethicones are also unmodified silicones. They form a barrier layer on the skin which must be renewed as the skin sloughs off. Dimethicones coat the surface of the hair and lubricate it, improving combing providing detangling, and thus, hair loss and breakage.
Silicones form a protective layer which helps prevent transdermal water loss -- a very useful characteristic for many products. Silicone gums provide instant shine to hair. Silicones act to help seal moisture into the hair, which helps prevent many kinds of damage. "
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What are Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, and Sodium Lactate?  They are emollients and humectants.
The following is directly from this website.
http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/emollients_and_humectants.html

"What are emollients and humectants?

Emollients are ingredients that soften and soothe the skin. They may be naturally occuring, such as fixed oils and glycerin, or they made be man made, such as silicone oils or isopropyl myristate. Their moisturizing qualities are provided by the chemical composition of the material itself.
Generally, emollients are added to such products as creams and lotions to provide extra moisturization or to help relax fine lines and wrinkles.
Humectants also soften and soothe the skin. They are usually derived from vegetable oils, but can be man made. Humectants derive their moisturizing abilities from water which they pull from the nearest available source. "
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While I might be able to give out a tidbit of information regarding some ingredient or technique I recommend everyone do their own research.  I don't know everything and won't ever claim to know everything!