EU member states back D4 and D5 restriction proposal

Applies to wash-off cosmetics products

15 May 2017 / Europe,

EU member states have voted to approve a proposal to restrict the use of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) in wash-off cosmetic products in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1% by weight.

The UK proposed the restriction and REACH Committee members backed a draft Regulation at their 10 May meeting. The restriction will apply 24 months after the Regulation's entry into force.

Earlier this year, 31 NGOs wrote to REACH Committee members saying the restriction proposal was limited. They argued it covers only 'minor use' and urged them to consider proposing the substances for inclusion on Annex XIV – the authorisation list.