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DIMETHICONE PEG-8 BEESWAX.

Valuable / HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

DIMETHICONE PEG-8 BEESWAX is a sophisticated silicone-based emulsifier and emollient, expertly designed to enhance formulation stability and cosmetic elegance. It effectively conditions the skin, delivering a smooth, non-greasy feel while actively supporting the skin's natural barrier function.

Summary

Emulsifier Emollient Skin Conditioning Agent Barrier Support Thickener Gelling Agent Pigment Disperser Detackifier

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient primarily functions as an emulsifier, enabling the stable formation of both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions depending on its specific HLB value. On the skin, it acts as an emollient and conditioning agent, smoothing the surface and improving product spreadability and after-feel. It forms a protective, vapor-permeable film that significantly limits transepidermal water loss, thereby locking in essential moisture and reinforcing the skin barrier. Furthermore, it serves as a thickener and gelling agent within the oil phase, aids in pigment dispersion, and helps to reduce the sticky sensation of certain ingredients in formulations.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 3–8%
Optimal

3%

Key findings

  1. 01 Typical usage concentrations for this ingredient range from 3% to 8%, contributing to a glossy appearance and a nourishing sensation in anti-aging, protective, and reparative skincare solutions.
  2. 02 A 6% concentration of PEG-8 Beeswax in a gel cream was demonstrated in live trials to significantly enhance skin hydration compared to a placebo.
  3. 03 At a 3% concentration, PEG-8 dimethicone (a related component) provided a more lubricious, smoother, and less greasy lotion texture compared to a control formulation.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5.5 – 8.5
0 7 14

Stability

The ingredient maintains stability within a functional pH range of 5.5 to 8.5, with stability generally improving as its concentration increases (e.g., from 1% to 5%). For hot-processed formulations, it should be integrated once the temperature has cooled below 50°C (122°F). Optimal storage requires tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, shielded from direct sunlight, heat, and incompatible materials.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
5.6%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has assessed PEG-8 Dimethicone as safe for cosmetic applications at concentrations up to 5.6%. Separately, the CIR also concluded that related ethoxylated beeswax derivatives (PEG-6, -8, and -20 Sorbitan Beeswax) are safe, with PEG-20 Sorbitan Beeswax reported up to 11%. Dimethicone, a key component, is recognized as non-comedogenic, a minimal dermal irritant, and not a sensitizer, with negligible skin absorption. The overall ingredient, DIMETHICONE PEG-8 BEESWAX, is described as particularly well-tolerated on the skin and free of comedogenic effects. Dimethicone is also an allowable active ingredient in OTC skin protectant drug products by the FDA at 1-30%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

DIMETHICONE PEG-8 BEESWAX is a valuable multifunctional ingredient, enhancing formulation aesthetics and stability while delivering significant emollient, moisturizing, and skin barrier support benefits with a low risk of irritation or comedogenicity.

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