Ingredient dictionary

Cyclohexasiloxane

Cyclohexasiloxane is a lightweight silicone that gives creams and sunscreens a smooth, silky feel and helps them spread easily. It is on the label of 10 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: our code flags it in the silicones family, which covers smoothing film-formers ending in -cone or -siloxane. Silicones are generally considered safe and give slip and shine, but some people avoid them for curly-hair routines or to cut build-up.

Silicones. Smoothing film-formers ending in -cone or -siloxane, such as dimethicone.

What Cyclohexasiloxane does

Gives a silky, smooth glide
Helps products spread evenly
Leaves a light, non-greasy finish

Cyclohexasiloxane is a cyclic silicone. Its molecules form a small ring of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms, with methyl groups attached. It is made in a chemical process from silicon-based building blocks. Like other cyclic silicones, it is light and volatile, so it evaporates as a product dries.

Formulators use it because it spreads smoothly and leaves a soft, silky feel without a heavy film. That makes it common in moisturizers and sunscreens, where people want comfort without greasiness. It helps the formula glide across skin, and the finish feels lighter than oils.

Good for

Suits people who want a light, silky feel in daily moisturizers and sunscreens.

Frequently asked questions

Is cyclohexasiloxane safe to use?

It is a silicone that is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. Some people simply prefer to avoid silicones, for example in curly-hair routines or to reduce build-up. If you notice irritation with any product, stop using it and check with a dermatologist.

Does cyclohexasiloxane make skin or hair feel greasy?

Usually not. Because it is light and evaporates, it tends to leave a dry, smooth feel rather than an oily one. Formulas still differ, so the feel also depends on the other ingredients in the product.