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Regulations for Cyclic Volatile Methyl Siloxanes (cVMS)

January 6th, 2026

The European Union has placed restrictions on cVMS under REACH and EU Directive 2024/1328 due to their persistence and tendency to bioaccumulate. In personal care products, cVMS are commonly found in antiperspirants, lotions, and hair conditioners. In industrial applications, they are used in silicone fluids, lubricants, and other specialty formulations.

What are Cyclic Volatile Methyl Siloxanes (cVMS)?

Cyclic Volatile Methyl Siloxanes (cVMS) are a group of cyclic, silicone-based chemicals widely used in both personal care products and industrial applications. cVMS belong to the broader family of Volatile Methyl Siloxanes (VMS), a class of low-molecular-weight silicones known for their ability to evaporate easily. The most common cVMS compounds are Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6).

Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4)

CAS # 556-67-2

Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) StructureOctamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) Structure

Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5)

CAS # 541-02-6

Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) StructureDecamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) Structure

Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6)

CAS # 540-97-6

Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) StructureDodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) Structure

European Union REACH and EU Directive 2024/1328

Because D4, D5, and D6 cVMS compounds have the tendency to bioaccumulate and persist in the environment, there are environmental and human health concerns over their wide use in consumer and industrial products. This has prompted the European Union to restrict D4, D5, and D6 under REACH, and have classified D4 as very persistent (vP) and very bioaccumulative (vB). EU Directive 2024/1328 will further limit concentrations of these compounds in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics, with compliance dates in 2026 and 2027. As of June 2026, products containing 0.1% or more of D5 or D6 may no longer be marketed in the EU region.

Reference Standards for cVMS

To help manufacturers comply with these requirements, AccuStandard has developed a range of cVMS Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), including D4, D5, and D6. These CRMs support reliable identification and quantification of these substances in consumer products, helping industry meet regulatory obligations while reducing the risk of production issues and penalties.

  1. NEW! CVMS-001S
    Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  2. NEW! CVMS-002S
    Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  3. NEW! CVMS-003S
    Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  4. NEW! CVMS-004S
    Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  5. NEW! CVMS-005S
    Tetradecamethylhexasiloxane Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  6. NEW! CVMS-006S
    Hexamethyldisiloxane (HDMSO) Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitirle
    Single
  7. NEW! CVMS-007S
    Octamethyltrisiloxane Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  8. NEW! CVMS-008S
    Decamethyltetrasiloxane Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  9. NEW! CVMS-009S
    Dodecamethylpentasiloxane Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  10. NEW! CVMS-010S
    Tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  11. NEW! CVMS-011S
    Hexadecamethylcyclooctasiloxane Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  12. NEW! CVMS-012S
    Octadecamethylcyclononasiloxane Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  13. NEW! CVMS-013S
    Hexadecamethylheptasiloxane Standard
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    Single
  14. NEW! CVMS-MIX-001
    Cyclic Volatile Methyl Siloxanes (cVMS) Mix 1
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    9 comps.
  15. NEW! CVMS-MIX-002
    Cyclic Volatile Methyl Siloxanes (cVMS) Mix 2
    100 µg/mL in Acetonitrile
    4 comps.

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