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Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 restricts the cyclic siloxanes D4, D5 and D6 in cosmetic products to less than 0.1% by weight: from 6 June 2026 for rinse-off products and from 6 June 2027 for leave-on products. For brands reformulating hair care and dry oils, organic broccoli seed oil is one of the most closely studied plant-based options. Here is what it offers, what it does not, and what to check when buying it.
What Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 changes
Cyclic siloxanes were valued for their dry feel and fast evaporation. Regulation (EU) 2024/1328, which amends Annex XVII of REACH, prohibits placing on the market cosmetic products containing 0.1% or more of them:
- D4 and D5 in rinse-off products: already restricted since 31 January 2020;
- D4, D5 and D6, general case: from 6 June 2026;
- leave-on cosmetic products (serums, hair oils, creams): from 6 June 2027.
The restriction targets cyclic siloxanes, not all silicones. It nevertheless speeds up a shift already under way at many brands: replacing synthetic ingredients with traceable plant-based raw materials, which means finding a comparable feel and detangling performance.
Why formulators are interested in broccoli seed oil
The oil is cold-pressed from broccoli seeds (INCI: Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil). What sets it apart is its composition, dominated by very long-chain fatty acids, first among them erucic acid (C22:1). Our technical data sheet gives the following ranges:
| Fatty acid | Typical content |
|---|---|
| Erucic acid (C22:1) | 40 to 50% |
| Oleic acid (C18:1) | 10 to 20% |
| Linoleic acid (C18:2) | 10 to 20% |
| Eicosenoic acid (C20:1) | 5 to 15% |
| Linolenic acid (C18:3) | 5 to 10% |
| Palmitic and stearic acids | 5% maximum each |
This structure explains the light, non-greasy feel formulators look for, often described as a coating effect in hair care. It is a sensory argument to be demonstrated in your own formula through user testing: broccoli seed oil is not a like-for-like replacement for a volatile silicone, as it does not evaporate.
Common uses
- hair care: conditioners, serums and oils for the lengths;
- dry oils and light-feel body care;
- lip balms and sticks;
- bases replacing part of the synthetic emollients.
A cosmetic oil, not a food oil
The high erucic acid content rules out food use: Regulation (EU) 2019/1870, since carried over into Regulation (EU) 2023/915, sets a maximum erucic acid level of 20 g/kg, that is 2%, for vegetable oils placed on the market for the final consumer or used as a food ingredient. At 40 to 50%, broccoli seed oil is for cosmetic or technical use only, and purchase documents should state this clearly.
What to check when buying
- Identity: INCI name, CAS number, process (cold pressing, no solvent), country of origin of the seeds.
- Fatty acid profile by gas chromatography, batch by batch: it is what guarantees a consistent feel.
- Stability: peroxide value and acid value on receipt. Linolenic and linoleic acids make the oil prone to oxidation; an antioxidant (tocopherols) and cool, dark storage are recommended.
- Certification: a valid organic certificate and, for a labelled range, compliance with the relevant standard (COSMOS, for example).
- Safety: pesticide residues, heavy metals, and the information needed for the cosmetic product safety report.
- Claims: a “silicone-free” claim or any comparison with silicones must meet Regulation (EU) No 655/2013 on common criteria for claims; check it with your regulatory manager.
Proforma Tropical organic broccoli seed oil
Our organic broccoli seed oil is a virgin oil, cold-pressed and filtered, with no solvent and no refining, from seeds grown in Italy. It is COSMOS certified 100% organic and NATRUE conform. Main specifications: acid value below 4.0 mg KOH/g, peroxide value below 15 meq O₂/kg, erucic acid 40 to 50%. Shelf life: at least 24 months in the original packaging. Typical use levels given in the data sheet: 1 to 5% in hair care, 2 to 10% in skin care, up to 15% in make-up.
Frequently asked questions from buyers
Can broccoli seed oil replace D5 in a formula?
Not like for like: D5 is volatile, broccoli seed oil is not. It is mainly used to recover a light feel and a coating effect, often combined with other plant-based emollients. The replacement has to be validated through formulation and stability trials.
From when is D5 restricted in leave-on products?
From 6 June 2027, under Regulation (EU) 2024/1328: leave-on cosmetic products containing 0.1% or more of D4, D5 or D6 can no longer be placed on the market. In rinse-off products, D4 and D5 have been restricted since 31 January 2020, and D6 is restricted from 6 June 2026.
Can broccoli seed oil be used in food?
No. Its erucic acid content of 40 to 50% is far above the 20 g/kg (2%) limit set by Regulation (EU) 2019/1870 for edible vegetable oils.
Which documents come with your organic broccoli seed oil?
Technical data sheet, batch certificate of analysis (fatty acid profile, peroxide and acid values), a valid organic certificate and the safety data sheet.
Sourcing organic broccoli seed oil for a formulation or a listing? Tell us the grade, volume and packaging you need: we reply within 48 hours with a quotation, the technical data sheet, the certificate of analysis and, for organic references, a valid organic certificate. Samples are available, with a flat contribution to shipping costs.
Sources
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 of 16 May 2024 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) as regards octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6), EUR-Lex.
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1870 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of erucic acid, EUR-Lex.
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 655/2013 laying down common criteria for the justification of claims used in relation to cosmetic products, EUR-Lex.
- Fatty acid composition: Proforma Tropical technical data sheet PT-FT-COS-BROCOLI-01 (revision A, 09/09/2026); specification values, batch results on the certificate of analysis.