Cyclomethicone, also known as cyclic polydimethylsiloxane, is a group of volatile silicone-based compounds commonly appearing as colorless, odorless, low-viscosity transparent liquids. It has excellent thermal stability, chemical inertness, low surface tension, and good compatibility with most cosmetic ingredients, with rapid evaporation that leaves a non-greasy, silky finish on skin and hair. It is mild to the skin and eyes, non-comedogenic, and widely used in personal care, industrial, and other fields. Its generic CAS number is 69430-24-6, while specific ring structures have individual CAS numbers.

Core Characteristics

Volatility & Texture Enhancement: Evaporates quickly without a cooling or sticky afterfeel, providing a lightweight, smooth, and silky texture to formulations.

Physical & Chemical Stability: Resistant to high and low temperatures, UV radiation, and oxidation; stable under normal storage and usage conditions; non-corrosive and non-reactive with most substances.

Surface & Compatibility: Low surface tension enables easy spreading and film formation; compatible with oils, alcohols, surfactants, and pigments, facilitating ingredient dispersion.

Safety: Mild to skin and eyes, non-irritating in typical cosmetic concentrations; low aquatic toxicity when properly used and discharged.

Main Application Fields

Personal Care & Cosmetics

Skin Care: Used in moisturizers, sunscreens, lotions, and serums as an emollient and carrier, enhancing spreadability, reducing greasiness, and locking moisture without clogging pores. It also improves the skin feel of creams and helps active ingredients disperse evenly.

Hair Care: Added to conditioners, serums, and leave-in treatments to reduce frizz, resist static, improve combability, and add shine without weighing hair down. It also acts as a heat protectant during styling.

Color Cosmetics & Body Care: Enhances the smoothness and longevity of foundations, primers, and eye shadows; used in antiperspirants/deodorants to reduce tackiness and improve glide.

Fragrance Products: Serves as a carrier in alcohol-free perfumes, room sprays, and linen mists, allowing even fragrance dispersion with a residue-free finish.

Industrial & Textile Applications

Mold Release & Lubrication: Acts as a release agent for rubber, plastic, and resin molds, preventing adhesion and improving surface finish; used as a lubricant in mechanical parts to reduce friction.

Textile & Leather: Used as a softener and smoothing agent in fabric finishing to enhance hand feel, reduce static, and improve water repellency; applied in leather processing to boost flexibility and gloss.

Coatings & Inks: Functions as a leveling agent and anti-foaming agent in water-based coatings and inks, improving film smoothness and reducing pinholes; helps disperse pigments evenly.

Pharmaceuticals & Other Fields

Pharmaceuticals: Used as a carrier, lubricant, or ointment base in topical formulations (e.g., creams, ointments), aiding in drug delivery and improving application feel.

Household & Daily Use: Serves as a base for air fresheners and fabric refreshers, ensuring stable fragrance release and a non-greasy effect on fabrics.

Usage & Handling Notes

Cosmetic use levels typically range from 1% to 25%, depending on the product type.

Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area; avoid open flames and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

For bulk industrial operations, wear gloves and goggles to prevent prolonged contact with concentrated liquids.