EWG Safety Score
What Is Cyclohexasiloxane?
Cyclohexasiloxane is one of several forms of synthetic, cyclic (meaning the molecule is circular rather than straight or crosslinked) silicone used in cosmetic formulas to improve texture and enhance skin’s hydration. It helps give skin care products a silky-smooth, spreadable consistency, so key ingredients can be delivered evenly to skin.\n\nIt is also known to promote aesthetically pleasing finishes that don’t feel sticky, tacky or greasy after application. In hair care, it is used to add shine and reduce frizz.\n\nAs a raw material, cyclohexasiloxane is a colorless liquid. It is described as a lightweight carrier ingredient since it evaporates from skin, leaving behind the formula’s key ingredients to work effectively.\n\nThis ingredient has been deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (their report looked at products using between 0.0004-48% cyclohexasiloxane).
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Dow (supplier info), Accessed September 2021, ePublication [URL not found] Dow (supplier info), 2021
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International Journal of Toxicology, December 2011, pages 149S-227S International Journal of Toxicology, 2011
From the Clinic
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Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A silicone crosspolymer that creates texture and hold in formulations
Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A silicone polymer that smooths texture and creates a protective film on skin
Cetyl Dimethicone
Cetyl dimethicone is a silicone polymer that plays multiple roles in cosmetics
Cyclomethicone
A type of silicone used in skincare
Cyclotetrasiloxane
A type of silicone
DEA Pg-Propyl PEG …
A silicone-based conditioning agent that smooths and protects the hair fibre
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