The European Commission has imposed restrictions on siloxanes D5 and D6 in all cosmetic products from 6 June 2027.
Since 2020, D5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxanin) has been restricted in rinse-off cosmetics to a maximum concentration of 0.1%.
From 6 June 2027, D5 will also be restricted to a maximum concentration of 0.1% in leave-on cosmetic products.
For D6 (dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane), up to a maximum concentration of 0.1% in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products will be permitted from 6 June 2027.
The restrictions were published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
“This measure will protect our environment by reducing up to 90% of the emissions of these very persistent and very bioaccumulative substances,” said the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
In 2018, the ECHA identified D4 (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, D5 and D6 as substances of very high concern with very persistent and very bioaccumulative properties.
D4 was identified as having persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) properties.
D5 and D6 were also identified as having PBT properties when they contain 0.1% or more by weight of D4.
The Cosmetics Regulation outlawed D4 entirely in 2018.
