On 17 May 2024, Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 was published, amending Annex XVII (substances subject to restriction) of the REACH regulation (EC) no. 1907/2006. This change concerns octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4 – CAS 556-67-2, CE 209-136-7), decamethylcyclopentoxyloxane (D5 – CAS 541-02-6, CE 208-764-9) and dodecamethylcyclohexyloxane (D6 – CAS 540-97-6, CE 208-762-8) and with it the restrictions on the use of siloxanes already foreseen for “rinse-off” cosmetic products are extended to “leave-on” cosmetic products, medical devices and veterinary products. Indeed the Regulation strengthens the already existing restriction forbidding the placing on the market of substances or mixtures containing D4, D5 and D6 in concentrations equal to or greater than 0.1%, starting from 6 June 2026. However, extensions are foreseen for some specific uses , such as siloxanes used as solvents in dry cleaning and exemptions are also provided for certain industrial uses, medical treatments and particular uses such as cleaning or restoration of works of art.
