Described herein is a silicone replacement for use in a personal care formulation comprising a mixture of at least one polymeric ester and at least one non-polymeric ester. The polymeric ester is an esterification reaction product of (i) at least one first dicarboxylic acid, (ii) at least one first monofunctional alcohol or monofunctional carboxylic acid and (iii) glycerin or derivatives thereof. The non-polymeric ester is an esterification reaction product of (i) at least one second dicarboxylic acid and (ii) at least one second monofunctional alcohol, wherein the replacement is substantially free of silicone. As described is a personal care formulation that is substantially free of silicone, wherein the formulation comprises a silicone replacement consisting substantially of a mixture of at least one polymeric ester as described above, and a non-polymeric ester as described above. Related methods are also described.