Website Technical
Q&A

Mark de Koff: The EU has introduced REACH Regulation 2024/1328, to restrict the use of cyclosiloxanes D4, D5, and D6.

This regulation affects the personal care industry, but the implications also extend across other segments, including medicinal products, medical devices and dry cleaning. Given that global formulators often standardize formulations across regions, its impact will likely reach well beyond the EU.

Mark de Koff: The personal care and cosmetics industries still rely on cyclosiloxanes in many applications, because of their ability to enhance smoothness and form a protective film on skin and hair. Although D4 and D5 are already restricted in certain applications, the three silicones (D4, D5, and D6) cannot be used in concentrations equal to or greater than 0.1% in weight in rinse-off and leave-on products as of June 2027, according to the current amendment.¹

Veterinary and human medicinal products and medical devices must comply by June 2031, while dry cleaning will phase out D4 and D6 by June 2026 with further D5 restrictions following in 2034, unless used as a solvent in a strictly controlled closed system where the solvent is recycled.

Mark de Koff: Yes, the EU has outlined key exemptions:

• Industrial uses, such as silicone polymer production and polymerization, remain unaffected.
• D5 can still be used for professional cleaning and restoration of art and antiques.
• D5 and D6 will remain permitted in scar and wound treatment applications.

These exemptions ensure that essential applications aren’t disrupted unnecessarily.

Mark de Koff: Thanks to our expertise in conventional hydrocarbons, our Sonneborn brand is able to offer silicone replacement and extender alternative products. Lilac™ and Iris™ are alkane solutions that have undergone enhanced and accelerated testing to provide similar sensory and functional benefits. Sonnecone™ CM and DM1 products can also partially or completely substitute for silicone oils, including Dimethicone (Polydimethylsiloxane) in most personal care formulations. Each Sonnecone™ product has a unique sensory profile to best fit any particular application thanks to its smooth and silky-skin feel.

Looking ahead, we are also actively developing a 100% biobased solution, set to launch later in 2025. This high-purity, readily biodegradable patented technology has been designed to provide a similar sensory performance to silicones, supporting customers in their transition to more sustainable ingredients.

Mark de Koff: Our alkanes, such as Lilac™ and Iris™, deliver the same luxurious sensory experience that formulators and consumers expect. These ingredients are non-polar alternatives to traditional silicones, providing a silky, powdery after-feel, which is crucial in personal care applications, while meeting the evolving needs of the industry as well as supporting the product carbon footprint enhancements required.

As shared previously, we are currently in the pre-commercial stage of a biobased solution that could help customers formulate away from cyclosiloxane and support their sustainability journey even further.

Mark de Koff: Now is the time for action. We are seeing several customers take a proactive approach:

• Assess current formulations to identify where D4, D5, and D6 are used.
• Engage with alternative suppliers like Sonneborn, which offer solutions ready for immediate implementation.
• Monitor regulatory updates and be aware of compliance requirements well ahead of deadlines.
• Educate teams and customers about the transition to sustainable ingredients.
• Anticipate regulatory alignment. Those not in the EU, can begin to prepare for similar changes in the near future.
• Stay tuned: Follow Sonneborn on LinkedIn to receive updates about new product launches.

Mark de Koff: These regulations are part of a wider movement toward safety, sustainability and regulatory oversight in the personal care sector. Many brands are already setting internal goals, and this new regulation reinforces the trend toward environmentally responsible and safe formulations.

For more information on Sonneborn’s silicone alternatives and regulatory support, follow Sonneborn on LinkedIn or visit www.sonneborn.com to stay updated on our latest innovations.