Is Cyclomethicone Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Cyclomethicone is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (emollient).
INCI name CYCLOMETHICONE. Also called Cyclic Silicone. CAS 69430-24-6.
Other names: Cyclic Silicones, D4/D5 mix
Is Cyclomethicone banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant, TRESemmé Thermal Creations Styling Spray, Various drugstore foundations |
| CAS number | 69430-24-6 |
What is Cyclomethicone?
Cyclomethicone is a term used for a mixture of cyclic silicones — primarily cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and cyclotetrasiloxane (D4). It is a lightweight, volatile silicone that evaporates from skin and hair after application.
Why is Cyclomethicone used in personal-care products?
Used as a carrier and texture-modifying agent that delivers other ingredients to the skin and then evaporates, leaving a smooth, dry finish without residue. Common in deodorants, hair conditioners, and foundations.
Is Cyclomethicone dangerous? Documented risks
Cyclomethicone itself has a good short-term safety profile at cosmetic use levels. However, the EU has restricted specific cyclic silicones D4 (cyclopentasiloxane — now banned from rinse-off in EU) and D5/D6 (≤0.1% in rinse-off products) due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential endocrine-disrupting effects in aquatic organisms. Human health risk at cosmetic concentrations is considered low, but regulatory caution is appropriate. D5 has been studied for potential endocrine disruption in animals; evidence for human endocrine effects at cosmetic doses is not established.
Products that may contain Cyclomethicone
How to avoid Cyclomethicone: safer alternatives
Dicaprylyl carbonate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, or non-volatile dimethicone as alternatives without the volatility and regulatory restriction concerns.
Frequently asked questions about Cyclomethicone
Is cyclomethicone banned in the EU?
D4 (cyclopentasiloxane) is banned in wash-off cosmetics in the EU. D5 and D6 are restricted to ≤0.1% in rinse-off products. The EU's concern is environmental persistence in aquatic ecosystems, not direct human toxicity.
Is cyclomethicone safe for skin?
At cosmetic use concentrations, it is not considered a direct human health hazard. Those concerned about the environmental impact or precautionary principle may prefer silicone-free alternatives.
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Sources
- EU Restriction of Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) in rinse-off products — European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- CIR Safety Assessment of Cyclomethicone — Cosmetic Ingredient Review
- EWG Skin Deep: Cyclomethicone — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.