Is Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
INCI name Cyclohexasiloxane. CAS 540-97-6.
Is Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | hair serum, primer |
| CAS number | 540-97-6 |
What is Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane?
Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (Cyclohexasiloxane) is a volatile silicone (D6).
Why is Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane dangerous? Documented risks
Restricted in the EU over persistence and bioaccumulation.
Products that may contain Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane
- hair serum
- primer
How to avoid Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane
Is Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane banned in the EU?
Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane in US cosmetics?
Yes — Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related endocrine disruptors
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.