Ingredient
Cyclotrisiloxane
Cyclotrisiloxane is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is endocrine disruptor and absorbed into the body.
- Cyclomethicone D3
- Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane
- D3
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 4 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 0 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cyclotrisiloxane and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
Cyclotrisiloxane (D3) is a cyclic silicone that provides slip and spreadability in cosmetic products. It's volatile, meaning it evaporates from skin after application, but some absorption occurs before evaporation. Animal studies have shown reproductive and developmental toxicity at high doses. The ECHA evaluated D3 and found evidence of endocrine disruption and potential reproductive effects. While human exposure from cosmetics is lower than doses used in animal studies, D3 can be absorbed through skin and has been detected in blood and breast tissue. The concern during pregnancy is potential endocrine disruption during critical windows of fetal development. The EU has restricted D3 to 0.1% in wash-off products since 2020, primarily for environmental reasons but also acknowledging health concerns. ACOG does not specifically address D3, but generally recommends limiting exposure to potential endocrine disruptors during pregnancy. Many dermatologists suggest pregnant women choose D3-free products when alternatives exist, following a precautionary approach.
Cyclotrisiloxane and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
D3 is a fat-soluble silicone that can accumulate in fatty tissues. Research has detected cyclic siloxanes in human breast tissue, raising questions about transfer to breast milk. While specific studies on D3 in breast milk are limited, the compound's lipophilic nature and bioaccumulation potential suggest it could partition into milk fat. Animal studies showed maternal exposure led to offspring effects, indicating transfer potential. The AAD has not issued specific guidance, but the ingredient's endocrine-disrupting properties and tissue accumulation are concerns during breastfeeding. Given the EU's restrictive stance due to health and environmental concerns, many healthcare providers recommend minimizing exposure during breastfeeding. Leave-on products pose more concern than wash-off products due to longer skin contact time. Alternative silicones like dimethicone are considered safer options.
Cyclotrisiloxane and postpartum
Safe to Use
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, concerns about fetal exposure or milk transfer don't apply. The primary considerations are the ingredient's potential endocrine effects and environmental impact. Individual reproductive health concerns are reduced outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women may still choose to avoid D3 based on its environmental persistence or preference for ingredients without endocrine-disrupting potential.
Cyclotrisiloxane and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive are advised to minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors during the preconception period. D3's documented effects on reproductive organs in animal studies and its bioaccumulation potential make it a reasonable ingredient to avoid when preparing for pregnancy. The compound's fat-soluble nature means it can accumulate in tissues over time. Starting to avoid D3 several months before conception allows time for any accumulated compound to clear. Reproductive endocrinologists often recommend reducing exposure to potential hormone disruptors when optimizing fertility, though D3 is not specifically called out in most guidelines.
Cyclotrisiloxane and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Interferes with hormones
Cyclotrisiloxane has demonstrated endocrine-disrupting properties in animal studies. For women with PCOS, who already experience hormonal imbalances, exposure to compounds that may interfere with endocrine function is a reasonable concern. PCOS involves disrupted hormone signaling, particularly with androgens and insulin. While D3's specific effects on PCOS haven't been studied, endocrine disruptors can potentially worsen hormonal imbalances. The ECHA's classification of D3 as an endocrine disruptor is based on effects observed in reproductive organs and hormone levels in animal studies. Women with PCOS may prefer to avoid ingredients with endocrine-disrupting potential, especially when managing symptoms or trying to conceive. Alternative silicones and emollients can provide similar cosmetic benefits without the endocrine concerns.
Cyclotrisiloxane and general use
Safe to Use
- Endocrine disruptor
- Environmental pollutant
For the general population not pregnant or breastfeeding, D3 in cosmetics poses minimal acute health risks. It's non-irritating and non-comedogenic, providing desirable sensory properties in skincare and haircare products. The EU restriction is primarily driven by environmental concerns—D3 is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to aquatic life. Human health concerns are secondary and mainly relevant to reproductive stages of life. The ingredient has been extensively studied, with most concern focused on wildlife exposure rather than human cosmetic use. While D3 remains unrestricted in many countries including the US, awareness of its endocrine-disrupting potential leads some consumers to choose alternatives. For non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding adults, the decision often balances personal endocrine health awareness with environmental considerations.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Cyclotrisiloxane, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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