Cyclomethicone - what is it? Everything you need to know
Cyclomethicones are a popular ingredient in cosmetic products. In this practical tip, we will tell you exactly what that is and how harmful the cyclomethicones really are.
Cyclomethicone: what is it actually?
The cyclomethicones are mainly found in creams and shampoos. It is a type of silicone that originally consists of silicon.
- A chemical distinction is made between cyclomethicones D3, D4, D5 and D6. The number stands for the number of silicon and oxygen atoms within the compound.
- When it comes to creams and make-up, the cyclomethicones ensure that the agents are distributed well on the skin. In shampoos and conditioners you should avoid split ends, create volume and have an antistatic effect.
- Like all silicones, cyclomethicones usually only have a superficial effect. They do not penetrate the skin or hair.
How dangerous are cyclomethicones?
- In 2015, the European Chemical Agency issued a recommendation to ban cyclomethicones D4 and D5. The substances hardly degrade at all.
- Due to the increased use, more and more silicones get into the wastewater. However, the sewage treatment plants cannot completely filter the tiny particles. As a result, the silicones accumulate more and more in our drinking water and therefore also in our food.
- In cosmetics, the cyclomethicones usually have no direct negative effect on our body. Clogged pores or streaky hair can be favored by the silicones.
- To avoid silicones, you can use natural cosmetics. Alternatively, you can look for ingredients with the ending "-cone" on the packaging of shampoo and make-up.
In the next practical tip we will tell you how harmful silicone baking molds really are.