Cyclohexasiloxane is a silicone-based cosmetic ingredient used in selected personal care formulations for its spreading, lubricating, and sensory-modifying properties. It is a cyclic siloxane commonly known as D6 (dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane) and is valued for its smooth application feel and compatibility with selected silicone-based and oil-based formulation systems.
Cyclohexasiloxane can help cosmetic products spread evenly across the skin or hair, providing a smooth and silky application experience. Its physical properties can influence product glide, texture, and the residual feel after application. Performance depends on the formulation, ingredient concentration, and other components used.
This ingredient may be considered for selected skin care products, hair care formulations, makeup products, and other personal care applications where its technical properties are appropriate. Its suitability depends on grade quality, formulation compatibility, intended use, and applicable regulatory requirements.
For cosmetic manufacturers, grade selection is important because ingredient purity, impurity profile, and physical properties influence formulation performance and regulatory suitability. The supplier's technical data sheet (TDS), certificate of analysis (COA), safety data sheet (SDS), and regulatory documentation should be reviewed before commercial use.
Cyclohexasiloxane is a cyclic silicone compound identified by the INCI name Cyclohexasiloxane. Its chemical name is dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, and its structure contains a ring of six alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with methyl groups attached to the silicon atoms.
Unlike Cyclomethicone, which may refer to a mixture of cyclic siloxanes, Cyclohexasiloxane specifically identifies the D6 compound. It has a defined molecular formula and molecular weight.
Cyclohexasiloxane is hydrophobic and has very low water solubility. It can be evaluated as a spreading agent and sensory modifier in compatible cosmetic formulations. Its volatility and performance differ from those of smaller cyclic siloxanes and non-volatile silicone materials such as Dimethicone.
The suitability of Cyclohexasiloxane depends on the intended product, the grade's technical characteristics, and the regulatory requirements of the target market. Particular attention should be given to restrictions applicable to D6 in cosmetic and other product categories.
1. Smooth Spreading
Cyclohexasiloxane can help cosmetic formulations spread evenly across the skin or hair. This is useful in products designed for smooth application and uniform distribution.
2. Silky Application Feel
Its silicone-based properties can contribute to a smooth, silky feel during application. The final sensory profile depends on the grade, concentration, and other formulation ingredients.
3. Lubrication and Glide
Cyclohexasiloxane can support glide during application, making it a candidate for selected skin care, hair care, and makeup formulations.
4. Hair Care Formulation Support
In compatible hair care products, it may help distribute the formulation along hair strands and contribute to a smooth application experience.
5. Makeup Formulation Support
It can be evaluated for selected foundations, primers, and other colour cosmetics where spreadability and sensory properties are important.
6. Silicone Formulation Compatibility
Cyclohexasiloxane can be assessed alongside compatible silicones and selected oil-based ingredients to achieve desired texture and application characteristics.
7. Texture Modification
Depending on the formulation, it can influence glide, spreading, and the residual feel of a finished cosmetic product.
Cyclohexasiloxane is generally evaluated for use in compatible silicone-containing or oil-based formulations. The appropriate incorporation method depends on the selected grade and finished-product requirements.
Important regulatory consideration: Cyclohexasiloxane (D6) is covered by restrictions under the European Union's REACH Regulation, including restrictions on placing substances or mixtures containing 0.1% or more of the relevant cyclic siloxane on the market, subject to specified provisions and exceptions. The regulation includes a general date of 6 June 2026 and a transition date of 6 June 2027 for cosmetic products covered by the relevant derogation. Confirm the current legal requirements, applicable exceptions, and the actual D6 content before supplying or formulating products for the EU market.
When evaluating Cyclohexasiloxane for cosmetic manufacturing, consider the following quality and procurement requirements:
The identity, quality, and regulatory suitability of the actual supplied grade should be verified before commercial formulation work.
Cyclohexasiloxane is a cyclic silicone ingredient that can be considered for selected skin care, hair care, makeup, and personal care formulations where its spreading, lubrication, and sensory properties are appropriate.
Cosmetic manufacturers should confirm ingredient identity, purity, impurity profile, technical documentation, and applicable regulatory requirements before use. Laboratory formulation trials, packaging compatibility checks, and appropriate stability assessments are recommended before scaling up production.
1. What is Cyclohexasiloxane?
Cyclohexasiloxane is a cyclic silicone compound also known as dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane or D6. It is used in selected cosmetic formulations for spreading, lubrication, and sensory modification.
2. What is the CAS number of Cyclohexasiloxane?
The CAS number of Cyclohexasiloxane is 540-97-6.
3. What is the molecular formula of Cyclohexasiloxane?
Its molecular formula is C₁₂H₃₆O₆Si₆.
4. What is the molecular weight of Cyclohexasiloxane?
The molecular weight is approximately 444.92 g/mol.
5. Is Cyclohexasiloxane soluble in water?
Cyclohexasiloxane has very low water solubility and is generally considered water-insoluble.
6. What is Cyclohexasiloxane used for in cosmetics?
It may be used in selected personal care formulations to support spreading, glide, lubrication, and sensory modification.
7. Can Cyclohexasiloxane be used in hair care products?
It can be evaluated for compatible hair care formulations, subject to grade suitability, product safety assessment, and applicable regulations.
8. What is the difference between Cyclohexasiloxane and Cyclopentasiloxane?
Cyclohexasiloxane is D6, containing six siloxane units in its cyclic structure, while Cyclopentasiloxane is D5, containing five. Their molecular weights and physical properties differ.
9. How should Cyclohexasiloxane be stored?
Store it in a tightly closed, compatible container under the supplier-recommended conditions. Follow the SDS for handling and storage precautions.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | colourless liquid |