Ingredient deep-dive

Cyclohexasiloxane (D6): Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernSilicone

Cyclic silicone grouped with D4 and D5 in EU restrictions. A siloxane rather than a carbon-chain plastic, so not a microplastic.

Where it appears

Hair care
Skin primers
Colour cosmetics

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Restricted alongside D4 and D5 for persistence concerns.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Squalane
Jojoba oil
Ester-based emollients

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Cyclohexasiloxane (D6), common questions

Is Cyclohexasiloxane (D6) a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Cyclic silicone grouped with D4 and D5 in EU restrictions. A siloxane rather than a carbon-chain plastic, so not a microplastic.

Is Cyclohexasiloxane (D6) banned?

EU: Restricted alongside D4 and D5 for persistence concerns. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Cyclohexasiloxane (D6)?

Cleaner alternatives include: Squalane; Jojoba oil; Ester-based emollients.

What products contain Cyclohexasiloxane (D6)?

Commonly found in: Hair care; Skin primers; Colour cosmetics.

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.