Cyclopentasiloxane / Cyclomethicone

Product Description:

INCI Name: Cyclopentasiloxane
Appearance: Clear, colourless, low-viscosity liquid.
Odour: Odourless or nearly odourless.
Alternate names: Cyclopolydimethylsiloxane, Dimethylcyclopolysiloxane, Polydimethyl siloxy cyclics.

Cyclopentasiloxane is a lightweight, volatile silicone commonly used in skincare, haircare, makeup and personal-care formulations to provide smooth application, excellent slip and a soft, silky after-feel. It is a cyclic silicone that evaporates from the skin or hair after application, helping reduce the heavy or greasy sensation that can be associated with some oils and emollients.

It is particularly useful in formulations where a dry, silky and non-sticky sensory profile is desired.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight and fast-spreading: Easily spreads across skin and hair.
• Silky after-feel: Provides a smooth, elegant sensory finish.
• Dry-touch effect: Helps reduce greasy or oily after-feel.
• Excellent slip: Improves the glide and application of creams, serums and hair products.
• Volatile emollient: Gradually evaporates after application, leaving behind a lighter feel.
• Improves formulation aesthetics: Helps give products a smooth, luxurious application.
• Hair conditioning: Helps improve softness, smoothness and manageability while reducing the rough feel of hair.
• Helps disperse ingredients: Can assist in the even distribution of certain oil-soluble ingredients and pigments.

Applications

Cyclopentasiloxane is commonly used in:

• Hair serums
• Hair oils
• Hair conditioners
• Leave-in hair treatments
• Anti-frizz products
• Face creams
• Body lotions
• Facial serums
• Makeup products
• Primers
• Sunscreen formulations
• Deodorants
• Massage and body-care products

Recommended Usage

A typical cosmetic usage level is approximately 1–20%, depending on the product type and desired sensory properties.

Higher levels may be used in products such as hair serums and anhydrous formulations, while lower concentrations may be sufficient in emulsions.

The optimum percentage should be determined through formulation trials.

Solubility

• Soluble in many silicones and silicone-compatible ingredients
• Compatible with many cosmetic oils and emollients
• Insoluble in water

How to Use

Cyclopentasiloxane is oil/silicone-phase soluble and is generally incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions.

For creams and lotions:

1. Add Cyclopentasiloxane to the oil phase.
2. Combine with other oils, esters and silicone-compatible ingredients.
3. Process according to the requirements of the emulsion system.
4. For heat-sensitive formulations, it can be incorporated during the cool-down phase if appropriate.
5. Mix thoroughly until uniform.

For hair serums and anhydrous products, it can be blended directly with compatible oils, silicones and other oil-soluble ingredients.

Because it is volatile, avoid unnecessary prolonged exposure to high temperatures and open containers.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

• Keep the container tightly closed.
• Keep away from ignition sources because the material is volatile.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
• Handle according to the supplier's SDS and technical specifications.

Important Formulation Note

Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile silicone, meaning that it is designed to evaporate after application rather than remain on the skin or hair indefinitely. This makes it especially useful when you want the silky feel and slip of a silicone without a heavy finish.

Disclaimer: 

The above information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. As these are cosmetic and formulation-grade chemicals, variations in colour, consistency, strength, and performance may occur between batches due to sourcing, purity level and/or make/brand. These chemicals are supplied strictly as raw materials for use across multiple industries and may not follow any single standard. Since each industry has its own specifications and performance requirements, customers are responsible for testing samples in their formulations and confirming compatibility before purchasing larger quantities. Customers can request up to 3 different samples. Sample sizes will be decided by us (Maduras Herbals Pvt Ltd). These samples are free***, but shipping charges apply. We also recommend purchasing products in standard packaging sizes. All purchases on our website fall under B2B transactions. Laboratory test reports can be arranged on request at an additional cost.

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