Kalisa’s quest: The last time I was having my hair done, I asked my stylist to help me find some product for my hair. I told him that I’d tried several different things, but I just can’t achieve the look I’m going for. I want to know how to get that slightly wet, slightly “greasy” look, without it being “crunchy,” and he said, “You need a product with silicone” and sold me something [Bumble & Bumble defrizz] with “cyclopentasiloxane” as the main ingredient. Why do you suppose he recommended silicone and what purpose does it serve in a hair product?
The Beauty Brains respond:
We’re glad your stylist recommended this silicone because it’s one of our mostest favorite ingredients in the whole wide world! In fact, the Left Brain has even written a short musical tribute to Cyclopenatasiloxane (or ‘Siloxane, as we like to refer to it.) I’m not really supposed to share it with you, but what the heck….
(sung to the tune of the “Troggs’ Wild Thing”)
‘Siloxane…you make my hair shine…
You make everything
Shiny
I said ‘Siloxane…
‘Siloxane, I think I love you
But I wanna know for sure
Comb in, hair is bright
I love you
It kind of brings a tear to your eye, doesn’t it? Now, on to your answer.
Why is cyclopentasiloxane used in cosmetics?
Cyclopentasiloxane (or CPS for short) is one of many types of silicones. In general, silcones are known for their ability to lubricate, waterproof and provide shine. (Think “Armor All” for your head.) There are many types of silcones – some have a very heavy, sticky consistency and others are very lightweight. CPS is a water-thin so it’s very good at dispersing thicker, greasier silicones. For this reason it’s often used in combination with dimethicone. It is also volatile, which means it will evaporate. So, not only does it help spread heavier silicones but it doesn’t leave your hair feeling weighed down after it’s done.
In rinse off products CPS is used to create a very lubricious, wet slippery feel. In the kinds of leave on styling products that you asked about, it can give you the wet but not crunchy look you’re seeking. Of course, the other ingredients in the formula make a difference too, but that’s why your stylist recommended something based on CPS.
The Beauty Brains bottom line:
CPS is one of our fave ingredients – it provides a very elegant feel on the hair, it works well with other ingredients, and it can be used in leave on and rinse off products. What more could you ask for from an ingredient?
Comments on this entry are closed.
U r stoopid n sutf cuz ur liek saying gud things abut cyclopentasiloxane wen its actully rlly bad for u
This is one of my most favorite comments ever!
That is hilarious!
This comment is more stupid. Come back when you can spell please. Thank you editors for providing this. I just want to know whether it can have negative impacts on hair growth?
We’ve never seen any data showing that cyclopentasiloxane has an effect on hair growth.
There are actual studies that have found that this ingredient is an ENDOCRINE DISRUPTOR which affects hormone function and fertility. It’s bad for you!! Research it yourself and tell me that it isn’t.
What research? What scientific journal could you point to that supports your claim?
From: Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology
Volume 74, Supplement, February 2016, Pages S67-S76
–
Toxicology of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5)
“Mechanistic studies to elucidate the mode-of-action for uterine tumor induction suggest an interaction of D5 with dopamine signal transduction pathways altering the pituitary control of the estrus cycle. The resulting estrogen imbalance may cause the small increase in uterine tumor incidence at the highest D5-exposure concentration over that seen in control rats. A genotoxic mechanism or a direct endocrine activity of D5 is not supported as a mode-of-action to account for the induction of uterine tumors by the available data.”
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230015001580?via%3Dihub
Here’s a scientific journal with research as requested by Perry Romanowski
What is this information saying?
Just wow this comment HAS to be intentionally spelled every hung wrong except for the ingredient….mind blown if this person is completely serious…no offense but the spelling wrong xpt for the longest word is just too weird, And if you do not like ingredients talked about you can leave the site. Or live in a bubble for life . Thanks to the writers of this site. Very interesting !
It probably is a joke, but if it’s not, they most likely copied and pasted the ingredient name, which is why it’s spelled correctly.
A wise man once said if you can’t tell if it’s satire, it’s damn good satire
I was curious about this chemical as well and found the following information:
“The city of San Francisco on its environmental website warns that “effects of D5 include impacts to the nervous system, fat tissue, the liver (bile formation), and the immune system. Exposure to D5 is known to aggravate liver disorders and cause liver weight changes in rats exposed to it. Should this combustible solvent ignite and start a fire, one of the resulting products is formaldehyde, an acute respiratory and nervous system toxicant and cancer hazard.” Also, because D5 is an environmental contaminant, humans could be exposed to it by consuming wildlife and fish that ingested it.”
Kinda makes me want to use it NOT SO MUCH … eh?
BTW you also said ” For this reason it’s often used in combination with dimethicone.”
“Expectant and breast-feeding mothers are advised to consult a physician before using any product that contains dimethicone. It is possible for a consumer to find out if dimethicone, or one of its variants, is present in a particular product by reviewing the list of ingredients. Names such as Amodimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone and Behenoxy Dimethicone indicate the use of polymers based on this manmade substance.
Side Effects
Some side effects have been reported from the use of PMDS products; they include mild itching and stinging or burning sensations. Allergic reactions such as hives, sudden respiratory problems, and swelling in any part of the mouth or face represent can also happen. Users of dimethicone creams may be surprised to find that the product can actually worsen dryness in some individuals. This is not necessarily a sign of ineffectiveness, but may instead indicate an allergic reaction that should not be ignored.
Should such symptoms appear, doctors recommend immediately discontinuing use of the product. Seeking medical attention is a good idea if the reaction becomes severe, or does not improve quickly. A pharmacist can be another good resource for guidance regarding side effects. ”
info above gleaned from:
http:www.wisegeek.org/what-is-dimethicone.htm
Lalo: The kind of reactions to dimethicone that you described are quite rare. (The Wisegeek article doesn’t provide any technical references so I can’t track down the details.) But dimethicone is approved as an Over the Counter skin protectant drug and it is proven to REDUCE dermatitis (see this link for references: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=dimethicone+dermatitis)
People live in denial “it is not likely this would happen with this ingredient” I have also read how horrible it is for you… let me bring to light the “chance of negative effects being slim” well at 37 I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and have fought a hard battle for 7 years and at 44 just out hospital and in hospice care! Who cares about shiny and superficial things you mentioned if there is a chance of liver problems, cancer etc. At least as you glorified the ingredient you should of mentioned the negative chances because they do happen! I am one person that is terminal fighting to stay alive each day with cancer and I will tell you like a doctor told me years ago, if something is a 1% chance it will happen when that 1% could be you, that is enough reason not to do it or use it! People in this country and across the world need to care more about cancer and risks we take in our lives versus a pretty appearance or outcome! Take it from someone who comes from that category of a small chance something would happen; it did!!!!!
Apart from the whole responding-to-a-4-year-old-comment issue, the vast majority of breast cancer cases that happen to persons under the age of 40 are due to genetics, not environmental exposure. If you went to a oncologist worth a fart they would’ve explained this to you. This is coming from someone who has dealt with breast cancer being a recurring issue in her own family.
Stop raging at your hair spray. Get more upset that your elders didn’t likely go to the doctor much, or share info about women in your family being sick/dying young. Also, stop telling your younger female relatives to not use silicone products but instead tell them to start getting regular breast exams starting in their 20’s (as opposed to 35, which is the norm for most women).
Wow, Angela, you have to calm down, and try to be nicer! When someone has cancer they have to do literally everything they can to assure a good outcome, and that includes taking a very hard look at every single beauty and cleaning product that is used on their body. The combination of the thousands of chemicals certainly doesn’t help a person with cancer! With the chemicals in our water, our products, in the air, in the GMO foods Monsanto is forcing upon us, cell phone radiation, pollution, chemical dumps, and so much more, it any wonder cancer is now attaching one in three people? Yes, the younger you get cancer, the more it can be genetically caused, but once you have it, you need to fight it with everything you have. That means eating only organic foods and very, very carefully looking at every label that you use in your house.
Thank you for writing that all the best to you Susan
Yes, thank you Susan for writing your experience. I wish you the best!
Should have is often contracted to should’ve but “should of” is never correct.
Additionally, with extremely few exceptions, every health & beauty category product, soap, household cleaner or disinfectant- EVERY consumable product in your medicine cabinet, under your sinks, in your garage or out in the shed have more than a 1% chance of causing harm to any one of us.
Should I follow your extremist, panicked rambling and just throw away everything like this that I own? You know, so there’s not even a 1% chance that any harm would come to me? I’ll tell you what would happen; I would die faster by *not* using many of these things than I would if I threw caution to the wind and quintupled my consumption of them.
There was a far greater than 1% chance of me having a stroke attempting to make sense of your comment so I am going to have to put that out to the curb as well. You know, to keep myself safe.
I had a reaction 2 separate times in my private area using a lubricant containing these ingredients. I had itching, burning, swelling and for up to a week after one use! You can suffer a reaction if sensitive. Im always careful because i have sensitive skin and never had a reaction before. Just because it says hypoallergenic means nothing everyone please be careful and do all your reseach. Before i wrote this comment I believed something was wrong with me because from all other accounts these ingredients are safe and im sure for most they are! And lets be clear these ingredients did and do not effect any other body part they touched only my privates. Ill never trust hypoallergenic again no matter where it goes!!
Amen. I’m 76, & have been eating organic for at least 15 years. I’m in good health. I pick apart everything I eat (ingredients) & look at & scrutinize all of (& make some) skin care products. In today’s world one CANNOT be too careful!
For example: Ractopamine is used in many meat products & is not required on the label. Look it up! Don’t trust your health to anyone but yourself!
I wish we could go back to the days where everything in our shampoo wasn’t a petrochemical byproduct that bioaccumulates and causes all kinds of horrible things to happen to rats in studies…wasn’t there ever a time when soap was just…pronounceable?
I understand your frustration but please don’t fall for the misconception that “all natural is good; all synthetic is bad.” PS The pronounceability of an ingredient does not correlate to its safety.
You’re so right, I always say that. The name thing is stupid cause even natural things have long names(like the latin names of plant extracts, for example) and SOAPS do contain a lot of long ingredients, too. Also, a lot of natural stuff like mint, for example, is irritant.
and ‘THIS’ is one of my most favorite comments ever!
Everything in Nature is not always good. I’ve known people who have been Hospitalized for almost life threatening allergic reaction from Natural Products such as Certified Organics Coconut Oil or plain old Peanuts. Yes, there are natural & organic ingredients that are bad for your Hair & Skin. …AND just because an ingredient is synthetic or ‘hard to pronounce’ doesn’t make it a problem for the Hair or Skin.
It’s so bad for marine life it’s banned or warned against in many countries, including Canada.
@ Mel: Unless you are talking about the days when people used homemade lye soap (I’ve used it – Don’t recommend it) Or Castile Soap, ALL shampoos are ‘Synthetic’ detergents and have been pretty much since the first one made by P&G ‘DRENE’ in 1936. I’m NOT a big fan of silicones in general, they give me scalp eruptions (pimples) when they are in haircare products but they do have their uses and advantages.
Hi,
I was wondering if you can help with my dilemma. I have eczema and many allergies. I found out by trial and error I am allergic to silicones including dimethicone. Are there many products out there that don’t have silicones? I’m talking about makeup, hair and skincare. I also seem to be really allergic to it considering I had a teeth impression made from a mold and had a coughing fit and throat swelling. It turned out the mold ingredients was comprised of silicones which I had in my mouth for about ten minutes (5 for each upper and lower teeth). After taking allergy medication I felt better but was really bothered by this fact. I know we don’t usually EAT silicones but the fact that I reacted so badly frightened me. Any advice on which products to look into?
Hi Andrea. The best thing you can do is keep an eagle eye on the ingredient lists of products before you use them. Here’s a link to a post where we list many of the most common silicones. Hopefully this will help you know what to avoid:
https://thebeautybrains.com/2010/06/17/are-you-silicone-savvy/
Hi Andrea,
I’ve been reading this string and suffered from eczema among other major skin issues before I became an estetician 22 years ago. My heart goes out to anyone dealing with this and I can’t stand when people just recommend ANOTHER skin care product.
The ONLY way to truly deal with it is integrative. Meaning you need todo 2 things internally, 2 topically and 2 mentally.
Call or visit our website at http://www.ablissfulplace.com. I’ll give you a 1 month free membership and get you started at Truly ending your eczema.
BeautyBrains to the rescue again! I recently dyed my hair and the conditioner included in the box has proven to be nothing short of amazing (a happy surprise), so I read the ingredients and went in search of a conditioner that has the main ingredient (Cyclopentasiloxane) as one of it’s top 3, but first I wanted to make sure it was actually a good ingredient, and not just my mind playing tricks on me. Thanks!
That’s what we’re here for, Mandy!
The first ingredient in the following product is cyclopentasiloxame (2nd is dimethicolol):
L’Oreal Oleo Therapy Perfecting Oil Essence–it’s available at Ulta.
This is the dominant ingredient in Clinique Moisture Surge Intense. Works well for my ultra dry skin. Do you think it is safe for skin? Thank you.
Clinique has nothing really good in most of their products. I worked with them for many years. The best ingredient for all dry skin is hyalauronic acid, which is naturally in our bodies when we’re younger and, like everything good, decreases dramatically after our 20s. That’s when we start noticing wrinkles, because this ingredient holds an amazing amount of moisture in our skins. B5 gel by Skinceuticals is made of this; use it 2X a day for good results under your moisturizer.
I love learning the scientific words and their definitions. Cyclopentasiloxane is a great word. I see some people have allergies to ingredients, but often it’s an added ingredient or filler that is causing a reaction. That the combination of ingredients that overall don’t suit all skin types, causes unsuitable results. Live the scientific education going on here.
Thanks for this info. I use a perfect 10 and I love it, maybe because Cyclopentasiloxane is a main product. Do you know of any other products where Cyclopentasiloxane is one of the main ingredients?
its a very good prouduct for cosmetic uses . thanks.
I love Regis Olive Oil Leave in Conditioner and I wanted to check if the ingredients were good for my hair or would ultimitlty dry them out the first ingredient is cyclo… and I am happy to hear it is such a great silicone!!
Um… well, one of the writers initially spelled it as “Cyclopenatasiloxane”(maybe in Mexico it could be Cyclopiñata…?).
But still, everything is right on, as always, and I love my silicone oils as well.
They are also great in skin products, leaving a light “silky” feeling.
Lol. Thanks for catching the type, Stevie.
Hiya,
I’ve read that all cylopentasilocane (as with most other silicones) does for your hair is coats it and prevents moisture from being able to enter the hair shaft.
Hair is ‘shiny’ when the cuticle lies flat so why do people want to coat their hair with something that’s going to leave them worse off than when they started?
Hi Lilly. It’s not true that silicone prevents moisture from being able to enter the hair.
Can you site a source that says otherwise?
I don’t have a public reference off hand but I worked on unpublished research in which we coated hair with various silicone containing conditioners and measured moisture retention. Our work showed that while a coating of high molecular weight dimethicone will cause a drop of liquid water to bead up on the hair (sort of water-proofing it) we couldn’t stop water vapor from moving in and out of the hair shaft.
Hello Randy,
Could you give suggestions for me please?For my home made hand gel, I used cyclopentasiloxane as main ingredients and combined with Span 60 and carbopol. It’s appearance is pretty good but when applied to the skin, it evaporates at once and I feel dryness. How should I solve this problem?Should I combine cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone together?Thank you.
Yes, you can pre-mix cyclomethicone and dimethicone together to more evenly distribute the dimethicone. For more formulating tips you can check out the resources on our sister website, http://www.chemistscorner.com. Good luck!
Hello Randy,
Could you give suggestions for me,please? For my home made hand gel,I use cyclopentasiloxane as main solvent and mixed with Span 60 and carbopol.I feel skin dryness after application of this gel.How should I solve this problem? Should I combine with dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane?Thank you.
You know how your hair feels soft and smooth after you put conditioner in it? You may think that’s because your conditioner gives the hair what it needs to be healthy. Unfortunately, in most cases, that’s not it.
Many conditioners contain chemicals that coat the hair strand, making it act like it’s healthy. In reality, it’s in the same condition as before with a few chemicals putting on a show for awhile. Have no doubt—when the chemicals wash off, your hair will go back to being dry, frizzy, and dull.
How can you tell if your conditioner is truly helping your hair or only covering it up? Like everything, it depends on the ingredients. If you read “cyclotetrasiloxane” in the list, you’ve probably you’ve got a more chemical formula on your hands.
What is Cyclotetrasiloxane?
Also called “octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane,” this ingredient is one of many “siloxanes,” which are made up of silicon, oxygen, and alkane. (Silicon is a nonmetallic element abundant on Earth.) In other words, it’s a silicone-based ingredient used in cosmetics, deodorant, defoamers, lubricants, and soaps to soften, smooth, and moisten. Siloxanes make hair products dry more quickly and deodorant creams slide on more easily.
Is it Safe?
Like so many of the chemicals in personal care products, this one has been generally considered safe—particularly in rinse-off products like conditioners. But research from Canada in 2008 raised concerns about cyclotetrasiloxane (also called D4) and its sister chemical, “cyclopentasiloxane” (also called D5).
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the government in Canada declared these two chemicals potentially toxic around January 2009. At that time, the government had serious concerns about the hazards of the chemicals, and prioritized them for action to ensure exposures were safe for people and the environment. Environment Canada and Health Canada proposed adding both to the list of toxic substances, and to develop regulations to limit the quantity or concentration of D4 and D5 in personal care products.
According to Environment Canada, D4 and D5 are toxic, persistent, and have the potential to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. The European Union also classifies D4 as an endocrine (hormone) disruptor, based on evidence that it interferes with human hormone function, and may impair human fertility.
First of all, this song has a unique ability to get stuck in one’s head. Betimes, I find myself on the subway and see beautiful woman with some shiny hair and say (in me mente) “Siloxane, I think I love you!”
Anyway… If siloxane is volatile does it also mean it can be drying? In my mind VOC’s are thinks like solvents which I would think would strip hair. Also, if you were to use a conditioner with this ingredient in it before bed will it be completely gone by morning? I’m curious as to how long it takes to evaporate and if there is any residue left over after maybe aspects of it evaporate. Thanks a bunch.
I haven’t seen any hard data on this but my experience from working with cyclopentasiloxane can be drying to skin when handling large quantities of the pure ingredient. I have not seen any problems with dealing with finished products that contain this ingredient. Would it evaporate over night? Yes.
I have very dry hair and have tried literally every product out there. Every time I’ve used a silicone-based product my hair actually gets much, much worse…drier (if that’s possible) and fly-away. I now avoid all silicones, and they are NOT good for the environment.
Hi, Do you have any reason to believe Cyclopentasiloxane in face lotions is harmful or should not be used long term (daily for many years)? I’ve heard a lot of negative things about this but it seems to be in a lot of the face lotions that are popular.
what about using this on the skin for sunscreen?
The ingredient can be used in sunscreens but it doesn’t have any SPF effect on its own.
The only problem is that it causes some build up in hair. I tend to use sulphate free shampoo and that won’t get rid of it, specially when is combined with dimethicone…
http://www.annmariegianni.com/ingredient-watch-list-cyclotetrasiloxane-the-hair-conditioner-that-may-harm-our-waterways/
all the silicons give some health concerns, on many websites it is stated to be careful with this type of ingredients:
”California has also done some looking into this ingredient, and it seems they are also concerned. According to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)—a specialized department within the California Environmental Protection Agency that evaluates health risks from environmental contaminants—cyclosioxanes like D4 and D5 have “long half-lives in people. The weak estrogenic activity of D4, in combination with its long half-life, poses potential concerns for exposed individuals.”
In other words, one exposure to the chemical may not hurt you, but we use this ingredient every day in our homes, in our hair, and in our bathtubs, and so far, we don’t know what that means for our health.
The OEHHA states, “While studies have not shown D5 to be estrogenic, it nonetheless increased uterine tumors in animal studies. In addition, there are potential concerns related to effects of D5 on the neurotransmitter dopamine and the hormone prolactin.” In other words, this chemical could be affecting our brains and nervous systems with repeated exposures, but we need more studies to be sure.
Here in Sweden products with cyclopentasiloxane has been banned in products sold at the pharmacy due to harm to reproductive organs AND the environment. The pharmacy chain has eliminated all products with this ingredient from the shelves.
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701741/CYCLOPENTASILOXANE/
What about cyclopentasiloxane used in a facial makeup product? It’s the main ingredient in Aloette’s Flawless HP Primer. The next two ingredients are Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate Benzoate. I love the product but it’s expensive and when trying to find a substitute I became curious about these ingredients.
Cyclopentasiloxane is used in primers as a vehicle for silicone polymers. It evaporates and leaves a smooth finish on your face.
Is it safe to use in face cosmetics? Like foundation, concealer and bb cushion
Korean brands tend to use cyclopentasiloxane in almost every cosmetics
First off, I am sorry, that some seem to not be able to leave a contrary comment without being rude and offensive. I am just now starting my research on the the ingredient Cyclopentasiloxane which brought me to this site. I did however, read on another site that this ingredient is thought to be dangerous in high levels! But, as far as through absorption of the skin there should be some research done as it is inconclusive! So, in my opinion! If you have a bucket of pure silicone and you dump it on yourself continuously or drink it, probably going to hurt you!. LOL. If its in your shampoo of face cream you’re probably not going to absorb enough to do any long term health damage. Although, I am not an expert! I am also, not a rude person looking for info on a site and when I see information I don’t like my first instinct isn’t to tell the Author they are dumb. Having said that! Thanks for the info and everyone should just take the info provided to you do your own research and decide for yourself if you want to use these types of products! Good day and Good luck everyone.
Thanks for your well mannered comment. We appreciate the civility!
Is it water soluble?
No.
I do Permanent make up and Microblading , however also being a Licensed Medical Aesthetician, have used and sold medical grade skin care products for over 10 years. My daughter has suffered from what we believed was severe acne around her mouth for 9 years.
I can honestly say that our bathroom closet has a new worth of about $50,000.00 if you include both skin care and hair products. Most of these products contain the ingredient cyclopentasiloxane which is a silicone . A few days ago she had a bad breakout and decided to try a new product with this ingredient and her face swelled up like a balloon. We researched the product and it is extremely dangerous and causes ” cystic bumps that are red mainly around the mouth. Then we realized that the hair care oils that we have been using for years contain this ingredient as well. We never knew why she lost so much hair over the years and her face just never cleared up. We now know. I hate to be a Debby downer but when it comes to things that we use every day on our face and hair we should always research the ingredients to make sure that we are using safe products. If we spare one person from suffering like this for years then it was worth my time to leave this comment.
Thanks for sharing this stuff with us!