Science
Mechanism of Action
On the skin, Cyclopentasiloxane acts primarily as an emollient, providing a luxurious, silky tactile experience. Its volatile nature allows it to serve as an efficient carrier for active ingredients, enabling even distribution before rapidly evaporating, leaving the actives on the skin surface. Concurrently, it establishes a temporary, breathable occlusive barrier, which actively contributes to the reduction of trans-epidermal water loss, thereby enhancing skin hydration. Its presence also optimizes the texture and spreadability of formulations and can create a subtle soft-focus effect, minimizing the appearance of superficial imperfections.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Low confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Cyclopentasiloxane exhibits thermal stability and low reactivity across typical cosmetic pH ranges, indicating good stability in acidic or aqueous products. It maintains stability for three months at 45 °C, one month under high relative humidity, and through three freeze/thaw cycles.
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed cyclopentasiloxane safe for cosmetic use at existing concentrations. The European Union (EU) restricted its concentration to 0.1% in rinse-off products, effective January 31, 2020, primarily due to environmental concerns regarding potential accumulation in water supplies; a draft amendment proposes extending this restriction to all cosmetic products, including leave-on. An older study indicated minimal skin absorption, with only 0.2% absorbed and 30% of that passing through the skin. It is crucial to minimize traces of D4, an impurity classified in the EU as toxic to reproduction, within Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) formulations.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Cyclopentasiloxane provides valuable aesthetic and delivery benefits for diverse skin types with minimal irritation or comedogenicity, though evolving environmental regulations, particularly in the EU, necessitate careful consideration for its inclusion.
Related
Similar Ingredients
Finding similar ingredients…