Cyclomethicone

Softens and smooths.

In the Silicones group

What it is

A mix of ring-shaped silicones that evaporate from the skin. One of the silicones, lab-made ingredients built from silicon and oxygen.

Used as a solvent that helps the product spread, and as an emollient that softens skin and hair.

A short summary from the dictionary, not yet an in-depth article. About these entries

Softens and smoothsOfficial EU function: Skin conditioning - emollient

Dissolves other ingredientsOfficial EU function: Solvent

Conditions and detangles hairOfficial EU function: Hair conditioning

Silicones

Some people avoid silicones because they prefer how products without them feel, or because they follow a haircare routine that leaves them out.

A group is a fact about the ingredient, not a judgement of it.

Not permitted for this use · Cosmetics, EU

Not allowed in cosmetics sold in the EU (Annex II, entry 1388).

A label gives no amounts, so none of this says a product is unsafe.