CYCLOHEXASILOXANE
Cyclohexasiloxane, also called D6, is a cyclic siloxane: a molecule made of silicon and oxygen units arranged in a ring, with methyl groups attached to the silicon. It is not a plant extract or an oil; it is a defined chemical substance used in some cosmetic formulations.
CYCLOHEXASILOXANE: what it is
Cyclohexasiloxane, also called D6, is a cyclic siloxane: a molecule made of silicon and oxygen units arranged in a ring, with methyl groups attached to the silicon. It is not a plant extract or an oil; it is a defined chemical substance used in some cosmetic formulations.
The name differs from cyclomethicone, a term that can cover more than one cyclic siloxane. Here it specifically denotes the form with six units in the ring; the technical description allows other cyclic components only below 1%. That distinction helps separate this individual ingredient from a blend of cyclic silicones.
CYCLOHEXASILOXANE: what it does in cosmetics
In skin products, cyclohexasiloxane can work as an emollient: it helps a formula spread and can contribute to a smoother feel on the surface. As a solvent, it can help keep other components distributed in the mixture. In hair products, conditioning relates to feel and slip during application, not to treating a hair condition.
These uses chiefly describe formula behaviour and the immediate sensory experience. They do not support claims to treat acne, wrinkles, dark spots, wounds, or diseases; the result a person notices also depends on the full composition and how the product is applied.
CYCLOHEXASILOXANE: conditions and care
In the European Union, D6 is restricted from the market at a concentration of 0.1% by weight or more: from 6 June 2026 generally and, for cosmetic products other than rinse-off products, from 6 June 2027.
Restrictions and conditions of use
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
