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Answer: Cyclomethicone is restricted (not fully banned) in EU. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: medium. Commonly found in: Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant, TRESemmé Thermal Creations Styling Spray, Various drugstore foundations.
TL;DR: Cyclomethicone is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (emollient).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name CYCLOMETHICONE. Also called Cyclic Silicone. CAS 69430-24-6.
Other names: Cyclic Silicones, D4/D5 mix
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Cyclomethiconewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Dicaprylyl carbonate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, or non-volatile dimethicone as alternatives without the volatility and regulatory restriction concerns.
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.
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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