Regulatory authorities have recently delved into a campaign to delist nearly 300 personal care items containing cyclic silicone derivatives, following scientific evidence linking these compounds to human biological imbalances.
Risks hidden behind instant aesthetic effects
Compounds such as Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D5) have long been staples in the beauty industry for their ability to provide a silky texture and rapid evaporation. However, medical experts suggest that the immediate sensation of smooth skin is often merely a temporary coating and does not reflect genuine nourishment.
Unlike nutrients that require extended periods to improve skin structure, these silicones tend to accumulate in fatty tissues upon skin absorption. Due to their structural similarity to certain natural hormones, they can interfere with the body’s receptor systems, potentially leading to impaired ovulation in women and affecting reproductive health in both sexes.
Global regulatory tightening trends
The mass recall in the Vietnamese market follows the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee’s consensus to tighten control over these substances, aligning with strict standards already implemented in the EU and the US.
Notably, ingredient violations are typically identified through “post-market surveillance.” Since current circulation procedures rely on corporate self-declaration, authorities can only suspend products after practical sampling and cross-referencing with updated prohibited substance lists. This underscores the need for consumers to be more proactive in identifying transparent brands and prioritizing products that have undergone clinical trials at reputable medical institutions.