these restrictions most silicone alternatives have been designed to replace D4/D5. It is not necessary to exclude silicone products and Innospec suggests that Volasil 8100 (INCI: Dimethicone, trisiloxane) provides the right combination of volatility, lubricity and spreadability to impart a dry, smooth application to hair and skin products.

It has a similar volatility to D4, and is recommended for antiperspirants and hair sprays requiring a fast drying time. Volasil DM-1.5 is a dimethicone that is slightly more volatile than D5; it imparts a dry, smooth application to hair and skin products.

Dimethisil DM-5 and Dimethisil DM-6 from Innospec are suggested as replacements for D6 in hair and skin products, and as a solvent for active ingredients, as well as a diluent for silicone gums and elastomers.

These and other possibilities were described at length in the presentation ‘Cyclic-free formulating’ given at in-cosmetics Global 2019 by Tony Gough. IOTA claims that its IOTA DM 55 is a low viscosity dimethicone with a similar sensory profile to D5 and may be used as a direct replacement.

Due to its similar sensory profile, IOTA DM 66 can be used as a direct alternative to D5 or D6. A&E Connock offers low viscosity dimethicones of 5, 10, 20 and 50cs, and a mixture of C13-C14 isoparaffin with low viscosity dimethicone that can be considered as replacements for cyclomethicones.