ERROR 1
ERROR 1
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
Password and Confirm password must match.
If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)
ERROR 2
ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is expanding its plan for restricting the use of two siloxanes in personal care and other products. The chemicals are octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), both classified as very persistent and very bioaccumulative substances by the European Union. In recent years, ECHA has moved toward restricting the amount of D4 or D5 in wash-off personal care products such as shower gels, shaving foams, and shampoos to no more than 0.1% by weight. At the request of the European Commission, the EU’s administrative arm, ECHA is planning to enlarge this expected restriction to cover personal care products designed to be left on the body—such as creams—as well as consumer and professional products for washing and cleaning. Silicones Europe, a trade association representing major manufacturers of silicones in Europe, supports ECHA’s plans for wash-off products. But it calls the move to restrict the two siloxanes in leave-on personal care products “premature.” The industry group is particularly concerned about D5, which it says has unique properties that contribute to product innovation.
Join the conversation
Contact the reporter
Submit a Letter to the Editor for publication
Engage with us on Twitter