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Moumoujus

PEG-17 DIMETHICONE.

Valuable / HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING

PEG-17 Dimethicone is a versatile silicone copolymer engineered to enhance skin and hair texture, delivering a silky-smooth feel and subtle luminosity. It creates a breathable, protective barrier, temporarily diminishing the appearance of fine lines, while also serving as a hydrating agent and essential emulsifier in cosmetic formulations.

Summary

Skin conditioning Hair conditioning Emulsifier Humectant Occlusive agent Solubilizer Consistency enhancer Binding agent Softening agent Fixative

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions by establishing a vapor-permeable, occlusive barrier on the skin's surface, which contributes to a refined texture, a subtle gloss, and the temporary reduction of fine lines and wrinkles by imparting a plumped appearance. As a polyethylene glycol derivative, it facilitates moisture retention through hydrogen bond formation with water molecules, ensuring gradual hydration and a reduction in water evaporation. Furthermore, its hydrophilic PEG group enhances its solubility and allows it to act as an effective emulsifier, stabilizing mixtures of otherwise immiscible oil and water components.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4.5 – 5.5
0 7 14

Stability

PEG Dimethicone polymers exhibit stability in formulations typically within a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5, as observed in shampoo applications. The water solubility and hygroscopicity of polyethylene glycols generally decrease with increasing molar mass. Alkoxy polysiloxanes featuring a PEG moiety are characteristically hydrophilic and readily soluble in water and alcohols.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
14%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that PEG/PPG-17/18 Dimethicone is safe under its current practices of use and concentration. More broadly, Dimethicone Copolyols, a category inclusive of PEG-17 Dimethicone, were affirmed safe by CIR in 1982, a finding reaffirmed in subsequent reviews. Clinical studies support Dimethicone Copolyols as non-irritating and non-sensitizing. PEG-17 Dimethicone is also designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Reported impurity levels include cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) at less than 0.1%, with platinum catalyst residues below 5 ppm. The maximum reported use concentration for related PEG/PPG-17/18 Dimethicone was 14% in perfumes.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-17 Dimethicone is a valuable ingredient for its multifaceted benefits, including enhancing skin and hair aesthetics, providing hydration, and stabilizing formulations, all supported by a favorable safety profile.

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