Cyclohexasiloxane
Cyclohexasiloxane
- Role
- A cyclic silicone that makes application easier and softens the skin.
- Catalog formulas
- 1
- Type
- Texture
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
A cyclic dimethylsiloxane with six units (D6). CosIng lists it as a skin-conditioning emollient, a hair-conditioning agent and a solvent.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In the catalog it appears in a roll-on next to Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), helping the product spread without leaving a sticky feel. It does not reduce sweating; the aluminum salt does that.
In 2011 CIR concluded that cyclic siloxanes, including cyclohexasiloxane, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Because of its persistence in the environment, a 2024 amendment to REACH Annex XVII (Regulation 2024/1328) bans placing leave-on cosmetics containing 0.1% or more D6 on the market after 6 June 2027.
According to CIR, skin penetration is minimal and the data do not suggest skin irritation or sensitization.
Not the same as Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) or Dimethicone: all are silicones, but they differ in molecule size and volatility.
Products containing Cyclohexasiloxane
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- COSMILE Europe (CosIng data): Cyclohexasiloxane Supports: function
- CIR: Safety assessment of cyclomethicone, cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, and cycloheptasiloxane (2011) Supports: safety assessment, irritation and sensitisation
- CIRS Group: EU restrictions on D4, D5 and D6 (REACH Regulation 2024/1328) Supports: restrictions, deadlines