What Is Cyclohexasiloxane?
Cyclohexasiloxane, formally known as dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, is a clear, lightweight liquid that belongs to the silicone family. Chemically, it is a ring of six silicon-oxygen units, each bonded to two methyl groups. This structure gives it a silky feel and a quick-drying finish on skin and hair.
Silicones first rose to cosmetic fame in the late 1970s when they were found to offer slip and spreadability superior to many oils. Cyclohexasiloxane joined product formulas soon after, prized for its ability to evaporate after delivering other ingredients. It is made by hydrolyzing and condensing dimethyldichlorosilane into cyclic siloxanes, followed by careful distillation to isolate the six-unit ring.
You will spot cyclohexasiloxane in a wide variety of beauty items, including foundations, primers, facial moisturizers, anti aging creams, sheet masks, hair serums, leave-in conditioners, deodorants, sunscreens and rinse-off treatments. Formulators lean on it whenever they want a weightless touch that still leaves skin or hair feeling soft.
Cyclohexasiloxane’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Below are the main ways this ingredient improves everyday beauty formulas
- Hair conditioning – coats strands in a thin, flexible layer that smooths frizz, adds shine and makes detangling easier without heaviness
- Skin conditioning – glides over the surface to leave skin feeling silky and supple while reducing the look of rough patches
- Emollient – fills in tiny gaps between skin cells for a softer touch and a temporarily plumped appearance
- Solvent – dissolves and evenly spreads pigments, UV filters and other active ingredients then evaporates, helping products set faster and feel lighter
Who Can Use Cyclohexasiloxane
Cyclohexasiloxane is considered friendly for most skin types. Its light feel works well on oily or combination skin because it does not leave a greasy film. Normal skin can enjoy the smooth finish it gives. Those with very dry skin may want to pair it with deeper moisturizers, as silicones mainly soften the surface rather than add long-lasting hydration. Sensitive skin users usually tolerate it since the molecule is inert and evaporates, though everyone’s tolerance can differ.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived material, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current data shows no known risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when cyclohexasiloxane is used in topical cosmetics. Absorption through skin is minimal, yet this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should have a doctor review their routine to be sure it meets personal health needs.
Cyclohexasiloxane does not make skin more prone to sunburn and is not known to react with sunlight. It also plays well with most other common cosmetic ingredients, making it an easy addition to layered routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical cyclohexasiloxane differ from person to person. The points below cover potential side effects but they remain uncommon for the average user when the ingredient is formulated and used as intended.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, more likely if the product also contains strong actives
- Temporary clogged pores on very congestion-prone skin when combined with heavy oils or waxes
- Eye irritation if sprayed or rubbed directly into the eyes
- Scalp or hair buildup over time if cleansing is insufficient, leading to dullness or limp strands
If any uncomfortable reaction appears, stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Cyclohexasiloxane is a volatile silicone that evaporates after depositing other ingredients which limits its time on skin and reduces the chance of blocking pores. Its large molecular size also keeps it sitting on the surface rather than sinking into follicles. Because of these factors it earns a very low rating of 1.
This makes the ingredient generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially when used in lightweight formulas.
Keep in mind that a finished product’s overall pore-clogging potential depends on the full ingredient list. Pairing cyclohexasiloxane with heavy butters or waxes can raise the risk of congestion even though the silicone itself is low risk.
Summary
Cyclohexasiloxane acts as a hair and skin conditioner, emollient and solvent. Its ring-shaped silicone structure lets it spread effortlessly, fill tiny surface gaps for a silky feel, dissolve actives then flash off so formulas set quickly without residue.
The ingredient is popular in primers, serums, sunscreens and hair care because it delivers slip and softness while keeping products light. Its popularity is steady rather than flashy, quietly powering many modern textures behind the scenes.
Safety profiles show low irritation and negligible absorption for most users, though individual sensitivities can occur. As with any new cosmetic, do a small patch test when adding products that contain cyclohexasiloxane to make sure your skin stays happy.