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Cyclomethicone

    Synonyms:  Dimethylcyclopolysiloxane; Dow Corning 245 Fluid; Dow Corning 246 Fluid; Dow Corning 345 Fluid.

    Description: Cyclomethicone occurs as a clear, colorless and tasteless volatile liquid

    Chemical Name: Cyclopolydimethylsiloxane

    Emollient; humectant; viscosity increasing agent.

    • Cyclomethicone is mainly used in topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations such as water-in-oil creams.

    • Cyclomethicone has been used in cosmetic formulations, at concentrations of 0.1–50%, since the late 1970s and is now the most widely used silicone in the cosmetics industry.

    • Its high volatility, and mild solvent properties, make it ideal for use in topical formulations because its low heat of vaporization means that when applied to skin it has a ‘dry’ feel.

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    Cyclomethicone is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material. Although it has been used in oral pharmaceutical applications, cyclomethicone is mainly used in topical pharmaceutical formulations. It is also widely used in cosmetics. Studies of the animal and human toxicology of cyclomethicone suggest that it is nonirritant and not absorbed through the skin. Only small amounts are absorbed orally; an acute oral dose in rats produced no deaths.

    Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled.

    Dimethicone; simethicone.