Is Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
INCI name Cyclotetrasiloxane. CAS 556-67-2.
Is Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | hair products, deodorant |
| CAS number | 556-67-2 |
What is Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane?
Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (Cyclotetrasiloxane) is a volatile silicone (D4).
Why is Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane dangerous? Documented risks
A persistent, bioaccumulative endocrine disruptor; the EU restricts D4.
Products that may contain Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane
- hair products
- deodorant
How to avoid Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane: 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 Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane
Is Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane banned in the EU?
Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane in US cosmetics?
Yes — Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane 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 Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane 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.