Cyclopentasiloxane in cosmetics: Safety and more

On cosmetic labels lists a variety of ingredients. With simple ingredients such as: Water and alcohol are easy to recognize. But other substances have long and hard-to-read names that confuse consumers. Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is one of those ingredients. So what is Cyclopentasiloxane in cosmetics? Is it safe?

In the past, there has been much controversy about the potential hazard of Cyclopentasiloxane to health and the environment. But the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has shared that this substance is safe to use in cosmetics. However, in early 2018, the European Union introduced restrictions on the use of D5 in cosmetic products for cleaning purposes. Concentrations above 0.1% in cleaning products have been identified as a risk of accumulation in water supplies.

Cyclopentasiloxane is a type of silicone commonly used in cosmetics. The substance appears in medical implants, sealants, lubricants, and windshield coatings.
D5 is colorless, odorless, non-greasy and watery. It is not absorbed through the skin but evaporates quickly. This property makes Cyclopentasiloxane a useful ingredient in many quick-drying cosmetics such as antiperspirants and hair sprays.
D5 also has lubricating properties. This provides a smooth and silky feel when applied to skin and hair, and makes the product easier to spread.

D5 is known for its ability to evaporate and dry quickly. Silicones also provide hydration and evaporate quickly. This is the reason brands often use D5 as an ingredient in lubricants and sealants.
Cyclopentasiloxane also has the ability to form a protective barrier on the skin and hair. Using a hair care product containing D5 will help you untangle your hair, prevent breakage, and reduce frizz.
D5 can be found in a wide range of personal care products such as: hairspray, sunscreen, antiperspirant, deodorant, conditioner, shampoo, waterproof mascara, eyeliner , concealer, moisturizer with SPF, styling gel and lotion,
Cyclopentasiloxane lipstick may appear on product labels as decamethylcyclopentasiloxane or D5.

One of the main benefits of the D5 over similar components is its lower cost. This also helps lower the cost of the product. That's why manufacturers use Cyclopentasiloxane to replace ingredients with similar effects, regardless of safety or negative impact on the environment.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that D5 can be considered a hormone disruptor and hormone imbalance. When you use it at high concentrations for a long time will cause even more consequences.
Fortunately, the cosmetics that are using this ingredient are in the safe range. This has been recognized by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel.
Moreover, to harm health, chemicals must enter the body. However, D5 usually evaporates quickly after contact with the skin with very little chemical entering the body.
Even if you inhale Cyclopentasiloxane, it is quickly exhaled or broken down and excreted in the urine. This means that D5 is very unlikely to accumulate this chemical in the body.
Studies have shown that D5 is very safe and does not cause irritation to the skin, even the most sensitive skin. When used in sunscreens and lotions, Cyclopentasiloxane also helps prevent irritation in patients with skin conditions such as rosacea.
Thus, Cyclopentasiloxane in cosmetics is safe for human health.

Cyclopentasiloxane was once considered toxic to aquatic wildlife. However, a 2011 study concluded that D5 poses no hazard to the environment. The review panel found no evidence of toxicity to any organism. The panel also found no evidence that accumulated concentrations of cyclopentasiloxane in the animals could harm them.
In summary, cosmetics containing cyclopentasiloxane can be safely used on hair and skin without risk. Despite concerns that this ingredient is a hormone disruptor, D5 is not actually absorbed into the skin in high enough doses to cause harm.

Reference source: healthline.com