Cyclopentasiloxane
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: cyclomethicone D5, D5, Cyclomethicone
Enhances the silky-smooth spreadabilty and sensorial feel of a product | Promotes even distribution other ingredients in a formula
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Cyclopentasiloxane?
Cyclopentasiloxane is often included in skin care formulations to improve the silky-smooth spreadabilty and sensorial feel of a product. It is a lightweight silicone, whose appearance as a raw material is a clear, odorless fluid. Cyclopentasiloxane also functions as a solvent to help improve the dispersion of cosmetic ingredients in a solution and improve delivery of key ingredients.
Cyclopentasiloxane is categorized as a volatile silicone, but it’s important to distinguish that the word volatile here doesn’t mean irritating to skin. Instead, it means this kind of silicone evaporates quickly from skin’s surface, which is one of the advantages of formulating with cyclopentasiloxane as it is able to evenly distribute other key ingredients without leaving a heavy or occlusive feel. It also means you don’t have to worry about cyclopentasiloxane “trapping” or “congesting” skin (as is also true for other silicones). The velvety film left behind is permeable, meaning this siloxane doesn’t suffocate skin.
Cyclopentasiloxane also shows up in hair care formulas (particularly conditioners and hair serums) where it lends a softening + smoothing feel and makes hair remarkably shiny.
According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel’s assessment (as reported in 2011), cyclopentasiloxane can safely be used in up to 93% in personal care products. It does not pose a health risk to skin as used in cosmetic products. Cyclopentasiloxane is under regulatory review in the European Union.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed May 2021, ePublication [https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/cyclopentasiloxane/]
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Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, February 2016, pages S67-S76 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2015.12.002]
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Environmental International, November 2015, pages 55-63 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2015.07.013]
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International Journal of Toxicology, December 2011, pages 149-227 [https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811428184]
From the Clinic
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Take the skin quizOther forms of Cyclopentasiloxane
These appear on ingredients lists under different names but are the same substance. Cyclopentasiloxane is the common form.
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