Chem 2211 Blog Post - Cyclopentasiloxane

        If you use makeup or hair products you have probably been exposed to a chemical compound called cyclopentasiloxane!

       Its chemical formula is C₁₀H₃₀O₅Si₅, and is arranged in a circle, with alternating silicone and oxygen molecules (Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane). It is also often referred to as D5.

        The reason that D5 is used is because it gives products a smooth feel. This is why it is often used in makeup products, as it makes foundation and concealer easy to blend. In hair products, this D5 is used to make hair appear shiny, and give it a soft, silky feel (Mcdougall, Andrew).

        Some specific products that D5 is found in are: e.l.f. 16hr camo concealer, e.l.f. flawless finish foundation (Ione Josephinee, et al.), Glossier sheer matte lipstick (Sheer Matte Lipstick: Generation G), and Dove Style & Care flexible hold hairspray (Wendena, et al.). (Check your products at home, you may find that cyclopentasiloxane is on the ingredient list!)

Here is a photo of me with my favourite product that contains cyclopentasiloxane - my e.l.f. 16hr camo concealer (in the shade medium sand)

        As the beauty industry evolves, there are always companies promising that their products only contain “safe and natural ingredients”. Is cyclopentasiloxane safe? There are a few conflicting schools of thought! Some believe that silicone products are very safe when they are applied topically (on the skin) (Gould, Wendy). Other individuals think that silicone can trap debris and dirt in pores and cause acne, and also make the skin appear dull and dry (Villett, Michelle). But it’s important to know that everyone’s skin is different and will always react differently to products.

        Even though some people are concerned about how D5 affects your skin, there should be no concern about it being toxic - it will definitely not kill you! It was tested in rats, and a deadly dose of D5 is over 2 grams per kilogram (Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane). So, for a 110lb (50kg) person, they would have to eat over 100 grams for the chemical to be deadly. For reference, a full bottle of foundation has about 20ml, so they would have to ingest more than five full bottles of foundation to be harmful!

        So, check the products in your makeup bag, you might be surprised how many contain cyclopentasiloxane!


References:
         “Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane.

          Mcdougall, Andrew. “SCCS Publishes New Opinion on Use of Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) in Cosmetics.” Cosmeticsdesign, William Reed Business Media Ltd., 27 May 2015, www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Article/2015/05/27/SCCS-publishes-new-opinion-on-use-of-cyclopentasiloxane-D5-in-cosmetics#targetText=In beauty products, cyclopentasiloxane is,to the hair and skin.

       Gould, Wendy. “Ask Derms: Is It Safe To Use Silicones In Skin Care?” The Klog, 11 Jan. 2018, theklog.co/is-silicone-safe-for-skin/#targetText=“Topically applied silicones are generally,known to sensitize the skin.”

     Villett, Michelle. “7 Reasons to Avoid Silicones on Your Skin.” The Skincare Edit, 28 Mar. 2017, theskincareedit.com/2017/03/28/why-avoid-silicones-on-skin.

     Wendena, et al. “Dove Style   Care Flexible Hold Hairspray, 5.5 Oz.” Walmart.com, 10 Sept. 2019, www.walmart.com/ip/Dove-Style-Care-Flexible-Hold-Hairspray-5-5-oz/428096837.

     Ione Josephinee, et al. “Home.” Elf Camo Concealer | Full Coverage Concealer | E.l.f. Cosmetics- Cruelty Free, 4 Oct. 2019, www.elfcosmetics.com/16hr-camo-concealer/300152.html?dwvar_300152_color=Tan Walnut&cgid=face#elf_source=HP&elf_medium=carousel&elf_campaign=quicklink3&start=2.

      “Sheer Matte Lipstick: Generation G.” Glossier, www.glossier.com/products/generation-g?locale=en-CA&g_campaign=CA_Google_Shopping&g_campaignid=2050309886&g_adgroupid=73227238035&g_adid=359121829674&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=pla-293946777986&g_adtype=&g_merchantid=107339476&g_productchannel=online&g_productid=GEN-040-00-00&g_partition=293946777986&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5LzRwdCB5QIVERx9Ch1U5gNVEAQYASABEgI-NvD_BwE.