Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (CAS 0541-02-06) — Citrus Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane
CAS 0541-02-06
What Is Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane?
Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a silicone-based ingredient commonly found in hair conditioners, skin creams, and antiperspirants. It gives products a silky, non-greasy feel and helps other ingredients spread evenly. While not strongly fragrant itself, D5 is valued in perfumery as a carrier that modifies texture and enhances longevity of other scent components.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane Smell Like?
Nearly odorless with a faint, clean, slightly metallic character reminiscent of freshly polished silverware. In formulations, it acts as an olfactory ‘blank canvas’ that subtly rounds off sharp edges of other ingredients. The complete lack of sweetness or woody character makes it ideal for modern, minimalist fragrances where it provides weight without warmth.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
D5 serves as the primary carrier for synthetic musk in this minimalist scent, creating a weightless yet persistent base that enhances skin compatibility.
Used here to create the signature ‘your skin but better’ effect by blending iris and ambroxan into an invisible silicone veil.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
A cyclic siloxane with ten methyl groups arranged in a pentagonal ring structure. Synthesized via hydrolysis of dimethyldichlorosilane followed by ring-closing polymerization. The symmetrical structure results in exceptional thermal stability and low surface tension. Unlike linear silicones, the ring configuration prevents chain entanglement, contributing to its volatility and ‘dry’ sensory characteristics.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 210 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.958 g/cm³ |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.1 mmHg at 25°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.396 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Fixative for modern musks |
| Personal Care | 2-8% | Up to 15% | Texture modifier |
| Antiperspirants | 10-20% | Up to 30% | Sweat barrier film |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to ‘cool down’ overly warm ambers or reduce powderiness in violet accords.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Mixture of D4-D6 cyclics; faster evaporating but with similar sensory properties. Preferred when quicker dry-down is desired.
Linear silicone with heavier feel; better for emollient effects but lacks D5’s volatility for fragrance applications.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA but subject to national regulations (e.g., Canada CEPA).
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms low systemic toxicity but notes environmental persistence concerns.
Sustainability
Production requires significant energy input from silica reduction. While non-bioaccumulative in humans, environmental persistence in waterways has led to phase-outs in rinse-off products. Emerging plant-derived silicones may offer future alternatives with similar performance.
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References
- ECHA (2018). Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane – Substance Evaluation Report. ECHA Report
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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