PEG-12 Dimethicone

CAS Number:

68937-54-2

Chemical / IUPAC Name:

Dimethyl siloxanes and silicones, 3?Hydroxypropyl methyl, ethoxylated

INCI Name:

PEG-12 Dimethicone

Molecular Formula:

 C3H9OSi-(C2H6OSi)n(C2H4O)12H (approximate for the ethoxylated chain)

Other Names:

Polyether-modified polysiloxane, water-soluble silicone oil

Uses:

PEG-12 Dimethicone is a water-soluble silicone surfactant created by binding polyethylene glycol (PEG) with dimethicone. This structure combines the sensory benefits of silicone with the water compatibility of PEG, making it an exceptional multifunctional ingredient in personal care formulations .

· Skin Care: Functions as an emollient and humectant, providing a smooth, silky feel without greasiness. It is used in moisturizers, serums, eye creams, toners, and facial cleansers .

· Hair Care: Imparts a soft, silky feel to hair. It is used in shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, styling products, and hair serums for its conditioning and wet/dry combing benefits .

· Decorative Cosmetics: Used in foundations, BB creams, lipsticks, concealers, and makeup primers to improve spreadability and skin feel .

· Bath & Shower: Acts as a foam booster in bath products, shaving foams, and gels, improving foam quality and stability .

Origin

PEG-12 Dimethicone is a semi-synthetic polymer. It is produced by chemically modifying dimethicone (a silicone derived from silica) with polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is derived from the polymerization of ethylene oxide .

What does PEG-12 Dimethicone do in a formulation?

Its primary functions are:

• Emollient & Skin Conditioning Agent: Softens and smooths the skin, imparting a silky feel .
• Hair Conditioning Agent: Provides light conditioning, improving wet and dry combing and adding lubricity to hair .
• Surfactant / Emulsifier: Acts as a non-ionic surfactant, helping to emulsify fragrances, essential oils, and pigments in water-based systems .
• Foam Booster: Enhances the volume and stability of foam in cleansing products like shampoos and shower gels .
• Wetting Agent: Reduces surface tension, improving the spreadability of products on skin and hair .
• Plasticizer: Provides flexibility to films formed by other polymers in styling products .

Safety Profile (Critical):

· General Hazard Classification: Some sources consider it a moderate hazard depending on usage and concentration. Finished products are formulated to be safe .

· Purity Concern (Critical): As an ethoxylated ingredient, there is a potential for contamination with toxic impurities such as ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane (a possible carcinogen) during manufacturing. High-quality manufacturers utilize purification processes to minimize these residues .

· Usage on Damaged Skin: Products containing PEGs are generally considered safe for topical use on healthy skin but should not be used on broken or irritated skin .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Generally regarded as mild and non-irritating at typical use concentrations. It is even used as a secondary surfactant in products designed for sensitive skin .

· Biodegradability: Specific data not available in search results.

· Regulatory Status: Widely approved for use in cosmetics. Some brands are certified "Clean at Sephora" and meet Ulta's "Conscious Beauty" standards .

Technical profile: