Ingredient deep-dive

Cetearyl Methicone: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernSilicone

Wax-like silicone used to structure balms and sticks. A siloxane rather than a plastic.

Where it appears

Stick products
Balms
Water-resistant sunscreen
Creams

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Carnauba wax
Candelilla wax
Rice bran wax

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Cetearyl Methicone, common questions

Is Cetearyl Methicone a microplastic?

Borderline. Wax-like silicone used to structure balms and sticks. A siloxane rather than a plastic.

Is Cetearyl Methicone banned?

EU: Permitted. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Cetearyl Methicone?

Cleaner alternatives include: Carnauba wax; Candelilla wax; Rice bran wax.

What products contain Cetearyl Methicone?

Commonly found in: Stick products; Balms; Water-resistant sunscreen; Creams.

Related ingredients

Dimethicone

Silicone · Medium concern

Silicone polymer (polydimethylsiloxane). Not the same as solid microplastic but classed as a synthetic polymer; EU is consulting on tighter limits.

Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane

Silicone · Medium concern

Cyclic siloxanes. D4 and D5 variants are EU-restricted in rinse-off products.

Trimethicone / Phenyl Trimethicone

Silicone · Low concern

Silicone polymer variant used for slip and shine.

Polysilicone-X

Silicone · Medium concern

Synthetic silicone polymer family used as film-formers in long-wear makeup.