PRODUCT FAMILY
Speciality Cosmetic Volatile Silicones
Volatile silicones evaporate without residue, deliver fast spreadability, and carry oils, pigments, and actives to the application surface. They are the workhorses of modern cosmetic formulation — used as carrier fluids in antiperspirants, spreading agents in skincare, conditioning vehicles in haircare, and pigment dispersants in color cosmetics. NISHKA's volatile silicone family ranges from the ultra-low-viscosity linear dimethicone through Cyclopentasiloxane (D5, CAS 541-02-6) to Hexamethyldisiloxane (CAS 107-46-0) — covering every volatility profile a cosmetic formulator might specify. Each product in the family is manufactured to consistent batch specifications under our ISO 9001:2015 quality system, with Certificate of Analysis available on request.
Family at a Glance
The Chemistry
NISHKA's newest volatile chemistry is NISH PT103 (Propyl Trisiloxane) — a non-cyclic alternative that matches Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) performance without the cyclic regulatory profile. This distinction matters regulatorily: D4 and D5 are SVHC-listed under EU REACH and are restricted in wash-off cosmetics in the EU and UK above 0.1% by weight since 2020, so formulators serving European markets increasingly specify non-cyclic alternatives. Volatile silicones are characterized by low molecular weight, low surface tension, and the ability to evaporate from skin and hair without leaving a residue. There are two structural families: linear and cyclic. Linear volatile silicones — Trisiloxane and short-chain dimethicones (1.5, 2, 3 cSt) — consist of straight siloxane chains terminated by trimethylsilyl groups. Cyclic volatile silicones — Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) — consist of ring structures.
Products in Volatile Silicones
All specifications sourced from official Technical Data Sheets.
-
NISH PT103 1–2 cSt at 25°CPropyl TrisiloxaneShort-chain trisiloxane with a propyl group — solubility and volatility comparable to Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), without the regulatory concerns.
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics - NISH 1CST 1 cSt at 25°CTrisiloxane
Ultra-low viscosity trisiloxane fluid with fast evaporation.
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics - NISH 1.5CST 1.5 cSt at 25°CDimethicone
Shortest chain dimethicone fluid with fastest evaporation.
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics - NISH 2CST 2 cSt at 25°CDimethicone
Low viscosity polydimethylsiloxane fluid that acts as a carrier fluid for high-viscosity silicones and forms a thin, flexible protective film.
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics - NISH 3CST 3 cSt at 25°CDimethicone
Low viscosity polydimethylsiloxane fluid.
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics - NISH CS5005 4 cSt at 25°CCyclopentasiloxane
Volatile cyclic silicone — Cyclopentasiloxane (D5).
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics - NISH LS 6005 0.65 cSt at 25°CHexamethyldisiloxane
Shortest chained dimethicone polymer fluid — structurally hexamethyldisiloxane.
SkincareHaircareColor Cosmetics
Compare products in this family
Side-by-side specifications for Volatile Silicones products.
Select up to 4 products to compare:
| Specification | NISH PT103 | NISH 1CST | NISH 1.5CST | NISH 2CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCI Name | Propyl Trisiloxane | Trisiloxane | Dimethicone | Dimethicone |
| CAS Number | Speciality (trisiloxane) | 9006-65-9 | 9006-65-9 | 9006-65-9 |
| Viscosity | 1–2 cSt at 25°C | 1 cSt at 25°C | 1.5 cSt at 25°C | 2 cSt at 25°C |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Colorless fluid | Colorless fluid | Colorless fluid |
| Key applications | Skincare, Haircare, Color Cosmetics | Skincare, Haircare, Color Cosmetics | Skincare, Haircare, Color Cosmetics | Skincare, Haircare, Color Cosmetics |
| TDS | Download PDF | Download PDF | Download PDF | Download PDF |
Common Questions
Volatile Silicones — Frequently Asked
-
Linear volatile silicones (like Hexamethyldisiloxane and short-chain dimethicones) have straight siloxane chains. Cyclic volatile silicones (Cyclopentasiloxane D5, Cyclotetrasiloxane D4) have ring structures. Performance is similar but regulatory profile differs significantly — D4 and D5 are SVHC-listed under EU REACH and restricted in wash-off cosmetics above 0.1% in EU/UK markets.
-
Cyclopentasiloxane (D5, CAS 541-02-6) is not banned but is restricted in the European Union under REACH. Since 2020, wash-off cosmetic products in the EU and UK cannot contain D5 above 0.1% by weight. Leave-on cosmetic restrictions have tightened further in 2024. Many formulators are migrating to non-cyclic alternatives like Propyl Trisiloxane (NISH PT103).
-
Volatile silicones are typically used at 1–90% in cosmetic formulations depending on the product category. In antiperspirants and body sprays, they may comprise 30–90% of the formula as carrier fluids. In skincare creams and lotions, 1–10% is typical for sensory enhancement and spreadability. In haircare conditioners, 2–15% delivers smoothing and shine.
-
Yes. Volatile silicones are designed to evaporate completely without leaving residue on skin or hair surfaces. Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) evaporates over 1–3 hours; lower-viscosity linears like NISH 1.5 CST evaporate in 30–60 minutes; Hexamethyldisiloxane evaporates in under 30 minutes. The evaporation profile is what enables their use as carrier fluids — they deliver active ingredients, pigments, or fragrances, then disappear.
Related Insights
Volatile Silicones — formulation reading.
Start Formulating