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Notice how some products leave hair silky smooth? Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), a cosmetic silicone, creates that luxurious feel but raises safety and environmental concerns. Explore its uses, potential risks, and natural alternatives for a healthier, radiant complexion.
- Discover what this silicone does in cosmetics, delivering smooth, silky hair and skin.
- Weigh its benefits against health and environmental risks in personal care products.
- Find natural alternatives for a glowing, eco-friendly skin and hair care routine.
Ready to uncover the truth about this silicone? Let’s explore smarter choices for vibrant beauty.
What Is Cyclotetrasiloxane and How Is It Used?
This versatile silicone is found in countless personal care products with a smooth, luxurious texture. Understanding its properties and applications helps you make informed choices for your skin and hair care routine. Let’s explore what makes this ingredient widely used in cosmetics.
What Is Cyclotetrasiloxane?
Cyclotetrasiloxane, commonly known as D4, is a silicone compound widely used in cosmetics for its ability to create a refined, non-greasy finish. Found in products from shampoos to moisturizers, this ingredient offers a polished look while maintaining a lightweight feel on both skin and hair.
- Cyclic structure: Four silicon-oxygen units form a stable ring, commonly used in cosmetic formulations.
- Volatile nature: Evaporates quickly, which can contribute to product spreadability and can create a synthetic silky, non-sticky layer on skin or hair.
- Broad applications: Found in various cosmetics such as hair conditioners, facial creams, and makeup, primarily to alter texture and feel.
Uses in Hair and Skin Care
Cyclotetrasiloxane is a synthetic silicone often used to create the illusion of softness in personal care products—but that silky feel comes at a cost. This compound doesn’t nourish the skin or hair; instead, it temporarily coats the surface and then evaporates. It’s also under scrutiny for its potential health and environmental risks, including hormone disruption and bioaccumulation.
Skip the synthetic shortcuts. For real, non-toxic nourishment, reach for our Sweet Sunrise Hair Conditioner—crafted with organic botanicals that actually support your hair’s health.
- Artificially smooths hair: Temporarily reduces frizz and adds a synthetic shine, but does not actually improve hair health. Over time, buildup can weigh hair down and block moisture.
- Creates a false softness: Forms a superficial layer on the skin to mimic smoothness, without delivering any real nourishment or benefits underneath.
- Masks texture issues: Improves product spreadability by using volatile silicones, which may feel refined but offer no lasting value—and can be linked to long-term environmental harm.
Safety and Side Effects of Cyclotetrasiloxane
While cyclotetrasiloxane enhances the feel of personal care products, its safety has sparked debate. From potential skin reactions to comparisons with similar silicones, understanding its risks helps you make informed choices. Let’s examine its safety profile, side effects, and how it compares to related compounds.
Is Cyclotetrasiloxane Safe for Use?
Cyclotetrasiloxane, or D4, is a synthetic silicone commonly found in rinse-off products like shampoos. While it’s often described as “safe at low concentrations,” growing research suggests a more troubling picture. D4 is under increasing scrutiny for its potential to disrupt hormones, persist in the environment, and accumulate in the body. It’s already restricted in the EU, and global regulators are beginning to take notice.
If you’re serious about clean beauty, this is an ingredient worth avoiding.
Want to know what else to steer clear of? See our list of 10 ingredients you definitely don’t want in your skin care.
What the Research Shows:
- Not truly low-risk: While acute toxicity is low in small doses, long-term exposure raises red flags—especially with repeated use.
Under regulatory watch: The EU classifies D4 as a substance of very high concern due to its endocrine-disrupting properties and bioaccumulation. - “Rinse-off” doesn’t mean safe: Just because it’s washed away quickly doesn’t eliminate the risks—especially with daily exposure over time.
Cyclotetrasiloxane Side Effects
Though marketed as well-tolerated, cyclotetrasiloxane can pose real health risks, particularly with regular or prolonged use. These include:
- Skin irritation: Can cause redness, dryness, or flare-ups, especially on sensitive or compromised skin.
- Hormonal disruption: Studies suggest weak estrogenic activity, with potential effects on fertility and reproductive health.
- Bioaccumulative risk: Even small amounts may build up in the body over time, and persist in the environment—posing ecological harm.
Comparing Cyclotetrasiloxane and Cyclopentasiloxane
Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and cyclopentasiloxane (D5) are similar silicones used in cosmetics, but their safety profiles differ. While both create a smooth texture, D4 faces stricter regulations due to greater health concerns, making D5 a common alternative despite its own risks.
- Structural difference: D4 has four silicon units, D5 has five, affecting volatility.
- Safety concerns: D4 linked to hormonal issues; D5 tied to uterine tumors in studies.
- Regulatory status: EU restricts D4 more heavily, while D5 remains widely used.
Health and Environmental Risks of Cyclotetrasiloxane
Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) may pose health risks when used in leave-on skin care products over long periods. The European Union classifies D4 as an endocrine disruptor, potentially interfering with hormone function and impairing fertility through weak estrogenic activity. Its long half-life in the body raises concerns about cumulative effects on reproductive health, and while some assessments suggest minimal absorption from short-term use, the potential for long-term buildup and hormone disruption remains a serious concern.
Cyclotetrasiloxane persists in the environment, resisting oxidation, reduction, and photodegradation, as detected in wastewater streams. It accumulates in aquatic organisms like fish, posing risks to food chains due to its bioaccumulative nature. The EU has imposed a 0.1% limit in wash-off cosmetics since 2018 to mitigate ecological harm, while Canada flags D4 as a persistent, bioaccumulative substance. These regulations highlight the need for careful monitoring to protect aquatic ecosystems from long-term damage.
Alternatives to Cyclotetrasiloxane
Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) is often used in hair products to create a temporary, lightweight coating that smooths the hair cuticle and reduces visible frizz—but this effect is purely surface-level. Rather than improving hair health, it masks damage by reflecting light for a glossy look and reducing friction for easier detangling. It may also offer brief heat protection and color retention, but it doesn’t nourish or repair hair.
More concerning are the potential health and environmental risks. D4 is a known endocrine disruptor and a persistent environmental pollutant, raising serious concerns about long-term use—especially in leave-on or frequently used products.
Instead of synthetic quick-fixes, opt for natural, nourishing hair products that actually support your hair’s health. Look for shampoos and conditioners made without silicones, and powered by real botanicals.
- Avoid Synthetics: Even “safer” silicones like cyclomethicone carry health and environmental risks. Skip them altogether. Instead, opt for murumuru butter—nature’s version of silicone.
- Nourish Naturally: Oils like coconut, argan, and jojoba hydrate and shine without synthetic buildup.
- Check Labels: Spot “cyclotetrasiloxane” or “D4”? Put it back.
- Choose Organic: Certified organic products are your best bet for silicone-free, safer care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) affect skin texture?
Cyclotetrasiloxane temporarily smooths the skin’s surface by creating a synthetic coating that fills fine lines, but this effect is short-lived and doesn’t provide any lasting skin benefits.
Can Cyclotetrasiloxane help maintain dyed hair color?
While D4 forms a coating that may temporarily protect color from fading, it doesn’t nourish or repair hair, and its synthetic film can lead to buildup that weighs hair down over time.
How does Cyclotetrasiloxane impact marine ecosystems?
D4 accumulates in aquatic life and disrupts ecosystems by affecting biodiversity, harming species like fish and algae, and potentially interfering with food chains.
How should I store products with Cyclotetrasiloxane?
Store D4-containing products in cool, dry places, but be aware that its volatile nature means it can still evaporate over time, increasing environmental exposure even with proper storage.
Marc Anthony curl lotion. I’ve been going without silicones in my hair for years. This one had the cyclopentasiloxane further down in the list, so I thought it might work out. But researching brought me to this article. Thank you for all the information, and this is not in my bag anymore. Now I have to go research my lotions too!!
This ingredient is usually the first one in about 95% of foundations and conclears. I have been doing research by reading ingredients in every cruelty free brand on Sephora.com. I found a few cruelty free brands that don’t use cyclopentasiloxane in their formula: Hourglass vanish the stick foundation, Ilia true skin serum foundation, coverfx natural finish foundation, lawless woke up like this liquid foundation, and milk makeup blur liquid matte foundation. I haven’t looked into powder formulas yet. I recently bought a Tarte clay foundation the one in the squeeze tube , from Ulta and cyclopentasiloxane is the second ingredient after water, I was highly disappointed because I usually love Tarte, and I used the foundation before. So I’m taking it back to the store and I’m going to stop by Sephora and test out the ones listed, except for the lawless because it is not in stock for a 100 mile radius from Los Angeles. I will also be looking into conclears that don’t carry cyclopentasiloxane. For me personally, I wouldn’t want an ingredient that may considered toxic to my endocrine system to be sitting on my face for 7-9 hours a day on my face everyday. We must be informed shoppers.
Organic Nourishing Coconut Hydratng Oil Mist (for hair). I’ve started looking more carefully at ingredient lists and notice that almost every kind of conditioner (rinse out and leave in) is basically glycerin, ceateryl alcohol, and different kinds of silicones. So frustrating! This product is nice and lightweight and seemed good for curly hair. Not going to use it anymore!
Tree hut shea moisturizing body lotion, obviously intended for long exposure. Oi vey! It’s the eighth ingredient but after that are a whole bunch more I can’t pronounce, and dimethicone before it that I also found on this site, thank you for this info!
Suave Professionals Smoothing Hair Serum, Keratin Infusion.
I was wondering how they could afford to sell any sort of keratin treatment for under $5 and make a profit.
First ingredient? Cyclopentasiloxane.
Thank you for the warning! It’s in the trash now.
Earth Science deodorant. Watch out. Been putting this stuff in my armpits for too long. Eliminated it.
Garnier Loving Blends hair serum (not to be washed out). First ingredient: Cyclopentasiloxane. Just like someone else commented, this name made me look for the safety of this ingredient before reading the rest of the ingredients. Normally, I only buy organic or 100% natural cosmetics, but this one was on sale and the ‘Honey Gold Bees Balm’ sounded so nice… Wish I could return the product now 🙁
So disappointed to find out this is the first ingredient in the aromatherapy massage oil from bath and body works I just picked up. I didn’t know anything about this stuff but when I read the back of the bottle I didn’t even get past the first ingredient before I decided it was probably a good idea to do some research. Funny thing is, I wasn’t even going to buy it. It was 30 minutes to close and I was cashing out and the girl convinced me to buy another item because I’d get 2 more free and pay the same amount anyways with the coupons I had. Normally I’m a little more informed and read before I buy but I felt rushed. It smells so good too =(
My face is tingling and my mouth is jumping around my lips. I am wondering if I need to report this to someone. I just used Christie Brinkley Authentic Skin Care cream this morning and last night but I forgot to rinse it off before I went to bed and all I did was wash it off with water this morning and put it right back on for another 17 hours now and my whole face is now tingling. I am getting some kind of reaction to the chemicals used in it. So I looked up the first word that I couldn’t pronounce and bingo I figured it was the cyclopentasiloxane, that could be doing it! What can I do? As soon as I get the chance I am going to scrub my face and never use this chemical again! I thought it was skin care not skin scare!
I was given a trial on a cream for wrinkles and healthier skn. I was told that the ingredients were all natual. It hasthis cyclotetrasiloane in it. I have just read this artical. So its used in conditioners etc. Not to harmful cause you RINCE your hair of it after a few minutes. When you use it on your face. It is left on. How toxic is it as yesterday my face was burning. And i was under the impresion that it was natural. The product is called neruim international. Made in usa
Just found the first ingredient in Garnier Fructis miraculous oil is cyclotetrasiloxane … I might give the body shop coconut oil a go instead since it’s free of silicone and other nasties
Here’s the first natural (completely natural!) Hair care that ive found. http://shop.morroccomethod.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwnKzABRDy2pb7nPSazdsBEiQAI4lZQBwfTx4PKRLb7dgYue5Xlhf8BjfmhatFj7e6VhcbFncaAlgv8P8HAQ
Here is the most natural makeup I found. I highly recommend the mascara as they do not have mercury in them as most do????
http://shop.morroccomethod.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwnKzABRDy2pb7nPSazdsBEiQAI4lZQBwfTx4PKRLb7dgYue5Xlhf8BjfmhatFj7e6VhcbFncaAlgv8P8HAQ
As cause to wonder, I was curious what was in Kerastase Elixir old team oil . I work at a Kerastase salon and am exposed to these ingredients all day long everyday. I recently became very aware and I’m very excited to help educate my clients and steer them toward a more natural Direction where they’re not be polluting their beautiful bodies or our beautiful Earth. Thanks for doing your research this was an awesome article!
What about lips product containing Cyclotetrasiloxane? Is it safe for my lips?
Hi there,
We wouldn’t suggest using it on your lips because it is on your skin and easier to for the chemical to get into your body by eating it.
Six thirteen a body lotion from Wen has it on the second ingredient. Must have a lot..
I have New Malibu Hemp Coconut Body Moisturizer, it contains Both the cyclotetrasioxane and cyclopentasioxane,, I’ve been experiencing dizzy spells Not sure it has anything to do with it But. I’m not using this again..
Perfect Formula Daily Moisture for nails. First ingredient jojoba seed oil then cyclotetrasiloxane. Shouldn’t OIL be enough on its own? “Conditions nails to prevent brittleness”.
Hormone disruptors may also be contributing to obesity epidemic.
That last point is so prevalent. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if that were the case. I’m sure there have been studies. I’d like to check on that now.
Cyclopentasiloxane is the second ingredient listed in Clinique’s Moisture Surge Intense Skin fortifying hydrator!!!!!
It’s in lots of foundations & products that are paraben free or “natural” ugh
I have recently purchased a polishing serum for my hair, to apply on my mid shaft to ends after every wash. I looked at the ingredients, and the first one happened to be cyclotetrasiloxane… So, I was curious about it and looked it up. After reading these informative paragraphs, I’m not sure if I should be convinced or concerned…
So Garnier Frutis Sleek and Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment has D5 as their first ingredient. It’s not conditioner so I didn’t rinse it out. I’m not recommending anyone to use this because it gives a false texture.
A new product for crept skin has
Cyclopentasiloxane in it. It I used everyday
On the skin not a good thing
People beware of hydra firm it has many other toxins in it also!
Just getting started!
Cyclopentasiloxane is the FIRST ingredient to the Renpure Argan Oil Treatment Micro Mist Spray from Target. The shampoo seems okay however. Renpure boasts being “pure”, even adding it to the name, had four potentially hazardous chemicals listed at the very beginning. Only the last ingredient was argan oil and fragrance. And it’s “proudly made in the USA”? Come on guys. Get your acts together
My hair dresser and I have been using UNA Pure Gloss Polisher for years and she promotes this line in her Dominican Salon. Now that my daughter and I have decided to go “natural” I’m looking at the labels on everything. Low and behold this UNA Polisher’s first two ingredients are D4 & D5 – so disappointing. I had planned to start switching to natural oils like Jamaican Castor Oil, Avocado Oil. JoJoBa oil, Coconut Oil, and Olive Oil, but wanted to finish out the UNA polisher. Now i have to let it go; and it’s quite expensive. Glad I found this article!
First ingredient in Dove deoderant that my 13 year old daughter uses. Anyone have a suggestion for a natural safe depderant that works?
Try USDA Organic lemon juice. I cannot use baking soda because it causes huge rash. I heard about lemon juice n tried. Amazing. After time it lasts longer than chemical laden deodorants. Amazing!
just came home with some”dermatologist formulated – antioxidant facial serum – for all skin types” from Trader Joe’s; the main ingredient (cyclopentasiloxane) was unfamiliar to me, but almost all of the others were the natural skin supplements and anti-oxidants i was looking for, so i bought it, planning to research cyclopentasiloxane when i got home. thank you very very much for your web site which has steered me away from this stuff!
back to Trader Joe’s i go…
best, tobe
The third ingradient of L’Oreal NUDE MAGIQUE BB cream bare skin beautifier is “cyclopentasiloxane”.
I use Arbonne products on my face and hair, but they don’t make styling products because it’s near impossible to make them without using something artificial and ultimately unhealthy which is there goal (only use ingredients that are good for you). Remember that skin is your largest organ, weighing about 8 pounds in covering 18 square feet of your body. Within 15 seconds anything you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream, so be careful what you put on it.
Cyclopentasiloxane is the second ingredient in the Arbonne Intensive Renewal Serum. Are you still using these products? If so, do you think this is a concern? I am in the beginning stages of research for new facial creams and cleansers.
I recently bought Agadir Argan Oil to give to friends and families and found these chemicals as first listings and decided to look them up. Oh I am so sad. i was thinking that I was getting mostly argan oil and do not want to pollute the water ways or adversely effect the aquatic animals. Does anyone know of an alternative product for argan oil hair treatment
Interesting, very interesting. ..I just bought One and Only Argan Oil..trying to save some dead president’s. ..Have bought the all natural brands before, but very costly.
Now that I have investigated the ingredients in the off brand….its going back ASAP!!
Thank you for this, just bought Hydratinghair repair cream from Beauty Treats from the pharmacy andithas all these things, syclopentasiloxane, dimethicone,cyclotetrasiloxane,polyacrylamide ect. I will be returning it back tomorrow
I fell for the marketing packaging again. 🙁 It said “Penetrating Oil for Dry and Coarse hair: Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco” (from Beauty Pure and Simple). It came out goopy like silicone so I checked, and yup, it’s a recipe of D4 and D5 with Argan oil added just before perfume and colorings.
Earth Science Liken Plant Deodorant
5th ingredient listed
For about a week I’ve been using Organix weightless coconut oil mist & it works beautifully but I just noticed it has cyclotetrasiloxane & cyclotetrasiloxane as the first 2 ingredients! What a shame. I was just told about Tropical Traditions products that don’t have nasty chemicals. Gonna try those.
OMG! The second is Cyclopentasiloxane ! I have been using this for almost a year morning & night!
La Crème face cream’s FIRST ingredient is Cyclotetrasiloxane…yikes!
I wish I had looked up the ingredients for the renewing Argan oil. I stopped using anything with silicone on my hair for over a year and I bought it because I heard great things about it. Silicone is just fake shine that adds residue to your hair. When you’re all about avoiding washing your hair this is a pain. I co wash and use coconut oil on my hair and nothing else and it’s been great but getting coconut oil on a bottle spray pump is rough so I bought this. I thought this would be great way to avoid wetting my curly super long hair.
I was given two tubes of Marc Anthony Strictly Curls and at first thought how lucky I was to receive them. Then I read the ingredients and realized that the product poses both health and environmental hazards. My tendency is to not waste anything and I considered giving it away. Do I dislike anyone enough to gift them poison? Never. I disposed of it at a local hazardous waste drive.
Paul Mitchell skinny serum has this as well as cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotrisiloxane, and other garbage ingredients. My hormones have been awful for the past year. I won’t be using this ever again and I will be calling the company.
IC’s Fantasia Hair Polisher Carrot Hair Growth Serum has D4 (Cyclotetrasiloxane) as the first ingredient. Bummer. It seems to work well. I’m not sure which ingredient/s help hair to grow faster, but no chances here. Good thing i haven’t used it for long. I’ll stick with Green Smoothies to strengthen my hair inside and out. Peace and Love.
Organix kukui oil anti frizz oil has them too 🙁
MARY KAY eye makeup remover works so well I was curious to see what was in it. 2nd ingredient is cyclotetrasiloxane-.
That may be the reason why MK has the content info only on the boxes. I just bought argan oil of Morocco but cannot return it. Why don’t have they the real stuff?
Bought a product for hair at ULTA today- “Not Your Mother’s ” brand “lock luster oil treatment”. When I applied it to my dry hair it created so much static electricity ! Not the smoothing effect I was looking for. When I looked on the label on back it says it is “flammable until dry “! It has D4, D5 and c-12-15 Alkyl BenZoate as the first 3 ingredients. Now that I know about it, I will not be buying these products again?
Also, made in the USA! Why are we putting flammable and extremely concerning toxins in any product for our bodies! We should be more responsible as producers of goods in this Country.
I will be more discerning on my next ULTA shopping trip!
I have been using Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner and having no problem.
Two days ago I started using a cheaper Suave conditioner and I got an itchy rash on my head. My mom noticed that the Suave conditioner has cyclopentasiloxane, and thought that might be the problem. I am glad I read this article: definitely won’t use that shampoo again!
Ahhh I just used organix argan oil of marocco!!!
Wish I had read up on this earlier. 🙁
I’m careful with whats in my food but never gave other products much thought.
Thank you for the info.
Agadir Argan Oil has it, boooh, i thought it was so good!
The first 2 ingredients listed for the Organix Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil product are Cyclotetrasiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane. Glad I found this article. As I just bought the product, I will be returning it.
so im ordering a wig- it contains d4 or d5 which ever i choose . is it safe for me to use? if its bad for the environment i can always wash it out side n give it a fresh rinse with filtered water using a bowl . idk = please tell me if its safe
My hair product, CHI silk infusion, actually has many dangerous chemicals. I’m never using it again.
Knowledge is power Lisa, good for you for taking action when you found your products are dangerous. Thank you so much for sharing, make it a wonder-filled day