What it is
A cyclic siloxane with six silicon-oxygen units.
What it does
Emollient and solvent in skin and hair care products.
Why it’s a concern
Classified as vPvB under REACH. Environment Canada and the EU both restrict cosmetic use due to bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. Subject to the same 2027 EU leave-on restriction as D4 and D5.
Also known as
D6dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane
CAS numbers
540-97-6
Commonly found in
hair carecosmetics
Safer alternatives
- plant oils
- squalane
Related chemical families
Sources
- ECHA Substance Evaluation D6