Cyclotetrasiloxane
D4 is classified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) by ECHA in the EU due to PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic) and vPvB properties. Use in wash-off cosmetics is restricted in the EU.
What it is
Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) — a cyclic volatile methylsiloxane used predominantly in personal care and industrial applications.
Predominantly a cosmetic/industrial ingredient; not a food additive.
Why it's flagged
- classified as PBT/vPvB by ECHA
- EU restrictions on use
- not authorized for food use
- endocrine concerns in animal studies
What regulators actually say
"Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) is identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) due to its PBT and vPvB properties."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not approved as a direct food additive; appears in food-contact materials as a polymer constituent.
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized as a food additive in the EU; ECHA REACH restrictions apply (limit of 0.1% in personal care products that are washed off).
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app