A volatile silicone oil used in hair and skincare products to impart skin conditioning, emolliency, shine and/or silkiness; to reduce the greasy feel of tanning oils; promotes easy spreadability, and leaves a soft, silky smooth feel to the skin. Evaporates quickly leaving little residue on the skin.
Cyclomethicone is a blend of decamethylcyclopentasiloxane and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane with a low viscosity, a relatively high volatility and a cyclic structure.
It is non-polar and insoluble in water but completely miscible in lower alcohols, aliphatics, aromatics and halogenated solvents and can be used in antiperspirants and skin care formulations.
Description: 100?tive cyclic silicone polymer blend consisting of siloxane D4 (cyclotetrasiloxane) and siloxane D5 (cyclopentasiloxane). Cyclic silicones are low-molecular weight silicones and are not viscous but very fluid and often used as solvents. Linear silicones (e.g. dimethicone) are large high-molecular polymers that are viscous and more oil-like. Clear to slightly hazy liquid, odorless. Very low water solubility (20 micrograms/L), soluble in alcohol, mixable in oils.
CAS: 556-67-2, 541-02-6
INCI Name: Cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane
Use: Typical use level 1-10% (up to 50% possible), add to oil phase of formulas but do not heat over 50°C (125°F). Can also be mixed into emulsions after the temperature drops to 50°C (125°F). For external use only.
Applications: Color cosmetics, creams, deodorants, sticks, hair care products.