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Cyclotetrasiloxane

What Cyclotetrasiloxane is & what it does

A volatile silicone that adds a light, silky slip and then evaporates, leaving a smooth, dry finish. It improves spreadability.

What does Cyclotetrasiloxane do in skincare?

Cyclotetrasiloxane is a volatile silicone used to give products a smooth, silky glide that quickly evaporates after application. It helps spread sunscreens and creams evenly and leaves a soft, non-greasy finish. It is mainly there to improve texture and feel.

Is Cyclotetrasiloxane safe?

Cyclotetrasiloxane has been used in cosmetics for many years as a texture agent. Some regulators have restricted or limited certain volatile cyclic silicones in specific product types, so formulators increasingly favor alternatives. If you have concerns, check the product label and choose a formula that fits your preferences.

Is Cyclotetrasiloxane natural or synthetic?

Cyclotetrasiloxane is a synthetic silicone, not a plant- or animal-derived ingredient. It is manufactured from silicon and oxygen building blocks. Because it is fully synthetic, it is typically suitable for vegan formulas.

Sunscreens with Cyclotetrasiloxane

We rate 54 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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