Sunscreen filters & others
D4 & D5 silicones
Banned in European Union and United Kingdom; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why it matters
D4 is a suspected reproductive toxicant. D4, D5 and D6 persist and build up in the environment.
What to look for on the label
Cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclomethicone.
Full name: D4 (cyclotetrasiloxane) and D5
Country by country
Around the worldBanned in European Union and United Kingdom; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why: D4 is a suspected reproductive toxicant. D4, D5 and D6 persist and build up in the environment.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | no specific ruleNot named in NAFDAC labelling, bleaching-agent or registration rules. |
| European Union | bannedD4: Annex II 1388 (Reg 2019/831). D5: REACH max 0.1%, wash-off since 2020, leave-on from June 2027. |
| United Kingdom | bannedD4: Annex II 1388 (retained 2019/831). D4/D5 under 0.1% in wash-off products (UK REACH). |
| United States | no specific ruleNot on FDA's prohibited/restricted cosmetic ingredients list. |
| Canada | no specific ruleD4/D5 not on Hotlist; a siloxane entry was removed in 2010. |
Sources: NAFDAC cosmetics registration guidelines · Reg (EU) 2019/831 text; D5 per CosmeticOBS (secondary) · legislation.gov.uk (Reg 2019/831 & 2018/35) · FDA Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients · Health Canada Hotlist changes. Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
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Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags d4 & d5 silicones and anything else worth knowing.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.