Cyclomethicone
Cyclomethicone is a lightweight, silky silicone ingredient commonly used in UK skincare, haircare and makeup to give products a smooth, non-greasy feel. It evaporates quickly after application, leaving skin and hair feeling soft without any heavy residue. Shoppers often find it in primers, foundations, serums and leave-in hair treatments.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, cyclomethicone acts as an emollient and solvent that spreads easily across the skin or hair, delivering a luxurious, velvety texture. It temporarily fills in fine lines and rough patches for a smoother appearance, helps other active ingredients glide on evenly, and then evaporates cleanly so it does not clog pores or weigh hair down. Formulators in the UK favour it for its ability to improve the sensory feel of both colour cosmetics and skincare without leaving an oily film.
Key benefits
- Provides a silky, smooth after-feel on skin and hair
- Helps products spread evenly and absorb quickly
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and texture
- Adds slip and shine to hair without greasiness
- Improves the wear and blendability of makeup
- Leaves no sticky or heavy residue
Best for
normal skin, oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin
Where it comes from
Cyclomethicone is a synthetic silicone derived from silica, the mineral found in quartz and sand. It is produced through chemical processing of silicon obtained from mineral sources rather than from plants or animals.