Cyclopentasiloxane
Avoid
Official INCI name
D5, the most common volatile silicone — it gives a silky feel, then evaporates. Fine on skin, but it builds up in the environment, so the EU restricts it in wash-off products (since 2020) and in leave-on products (from 2026).
What it does
Emollient. Oils, butters, esters and silicones that soften and smooth.
Worth knowing
Persists in the environment or harms aquatic life (e.g. microplastics, some UV filters).
Also written as
Scans recognise it under every one of these names.
D5
“Cyclopentasiloxane” is its name in the EU glossary of common ingredient names (no. 7871), the names labels in the EU must use. © European Union, EUR-Lex.