Cyclopentasiloxane

Also known as: D5, cyclomethicone

INCI name: Cyclopentasiloxane

What it does

A volatile silicone: it spreads a product across the skin, then evaporates within minutes, leaving a silky, weightless finish.

Benefits

Makes light gels and serums feel dry-touch rather than sticky, and helps other ingredients spread evenly. Non-greasy, so well suited to oily skin.

Concerns & Risks

Very low irritation potential, and considered safe as used by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel. The concern is environmental: D5 persists in the environment, and the EU already restricts it in wash-off cosmetics and has moved to extend that to leave-on products.

Comedogenic rating

0/5

Non-comedogenic (0)

Suitable for

All skin types, especially oily and combination

Avoid if

You prefer to avoid environmentally persistent ingredients

Typical concentration

Wide range — from a few per cent to the bulk of a light gel

Products containing Cyclopentasiloxane

2 products in our database