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Ingredient deep-dive

Cyclopentasiloxane (D5): Is It a Microplastic?

Medium concernSilicone

Volatile cyclic silicone, the D5 that EU regulators restricted. Not a microplastic, its backbone is silicon and oxygen rather than carbon, but it is restricted for persistence and bioaccumulation reasons.

Where it appears

  • Hair serums and heat protectants
  • Primers
  • Antiperspirant
  • Quick-dry products

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Restricted to 0.1% in wash-off cosmetics since 2020, with wider leave-on restrictions agreed.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

  • Squalane
  • Coconut-derived esters
  • Jojoba oil

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Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), common questions

Is Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) a microplastic?

Yes: it is classified as a synthetic polymer. Volatile cyclic silicone, the D5 that EU regulators restricted. Not a microplastic, its backbone is silicon and oxygen rather than carbon, but it is restricted for persistence and bioaccumulation reasons.

Is Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) banned?

EU: Restricted to 0.1% in wash-off cosmetics since 2020, with wider leave-on restrictions agreed. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)?

Cleaner alternatives include: Squalane; Coconut-derived esters; Jojoba oil.

What products contain Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)?

Commonly found in: Hair serums and heat protectants; Primers; Antiperspirant; Quick-dry products.

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.

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Cyclomethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane

Silicone · Medium concern

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

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Trimethicone / Phenyl Trimethicone

Silicone · Low concern

Silicone polymer variant used for slip and shine.

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Polysilicone-X

Silicone · Medium concern

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

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