A silicone elastomer having hydrophilic properties is provided. The elastomer is a copolymer that is formed from a crosslinkable silicone composition, the silicone composition comprising an organopolysiloxane component and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer component. For example, the silicone composition may comprise: i) an organopolysiloxane having the following general formula: ##STR00001## wherein, each R.sub.2 is individually selected from unsubstituted and substituted monovalent hydrocarbon groups containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; each R.sub.3 is individually selected from unsubstituted and substituted alkenyl groups containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; x.gtoreq.1; and y.gtoreq.0 and is an integer that is selected so that the organopolysiloxane contains an average of at least two alkenyl groups per molecule; ii) an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; iii) a silicon hydride crosslinking agent; and iv) a platinum-based catalyst.