INCI: Cyclopentasiloxane
Volatile silicone that evaporates quickly from the skin surface, leaving a smooth, non-greasy film. Used as a solvent and carrier for active ingredients.
Topical application
DVery weak or conflicting data.
A formulation aid. CIR confirmed safety in cosmetic use. The EU restricted D4 (cyclotetrasiloxane) for environmental reasons, but D5 (cyclopentasiloxane) remains permitted.
Cyclomethicone (INCI Cyclopentasiloxane) is a cyclic volatile silicone. It evaporates from the skin surface quickly, leaving a smooth, non-greasy, silky feel. One of the main silicones in color cosmetics and hair products. Mechanism. After application the molecule evaporates within 2-5 minutes, which helps distribute pigments, actives, and other silicones on skin and hair. Does not form a long-lasting occlusive film. In formulas it works as a solvent, carrier, and sensory enhancer. Where applied. Primers, foundations, eye products, light-texture creams, hair products (serums, sprays, heat protection), antiperspirants. In Spain – mass-market decorative lines L'Oréal, Maybelline, Bourjois, hair products Garnier Fructis, Pantene. Evidence base. A functional component with many years of use. Sensory and product distribution effect confirmed in standard tests. No allergies or comedogenicity. Safety and regulatory limits. CIR confirmed Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) safe in cosmetic use. ECHA in 2018 listed D4 (cyclotetrasiloxane) as SVHC (substance of very high concern) due to environmental persistence and bioaccumulation; since 2020 D4/D5/D6 in leave-on products are limited to 0.1% in the EU. This doesn't affect skin safety – the restriction is environmental. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Systemic absorption through intact skin is low; no embryotoxicity identified. Best suited to: any skin and hair type. Almost a standard in color cosmetics. Alternatives in 'clean' lines: light esters (dicaprylyl carbonate, diethoxyethyl succinate, diheptyl succinate).
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Cyclomethicone is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Cyclomethicone suits: oily, combination, normal.
Volatile silicone that evaporates quickly from the skin surface, leaving a smooth, non-greasy film.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Cyclopentasiloxane. It may also appear as: Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, D4.
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