Cyclotetrasiloxane

(in 799 products)

Banned by Gov or classified as a carcinogen by IARC

1. Emollient - Softens and soothes the skin. Helps with skin conditioning.

Cyclotetrasiloxane, also called octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, D4, is part of the siloxane family, which is silicone-based. It is made up of silicon, oxygen, and alkane. (Silicon is a nonmetallic element abundant on Earth). It's always used as silicone-based ingredient 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.

The Canadian Government identified D4 as a potential concern to the environment based on available information regarding possible persistence, accumulation and potential to cause harm to the environment. It is found in various products so it may be released to the environment via wastewater systems that receive inputs from different sources including industrial effluents and personal care products. It can then exist in the environment for a long time. It can also harm animals or plants that live in water. D4 may also enter the environment in a sufficient quantity or under conditions that would be harmful to the environment or its biological diversity. [2]

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/185471

2. Environment and Climate Change Canada. Screening Assessment for the Challenge on Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4). http://www.ec.gc.ca/ese-ees/default.asp?lang=En&n=2481B508-1

1. EU CosIng Annex II, SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2017]

- Ref: II/1388