Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PEG/PPG-18/6 DIMETHICONE.

Valuable CAS - / SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

PEG/PPG-18/6 Dimethicone is a versatile alkoxylated dimethicone derivative, recognized for its exceptional skin-conditioning and emollient properties. This hydrophilic ingredient enhances skin smoothness, provides hydration, and efficiently functions as a surfactant and emulsifier in precise formulations.

Summary

skin conditioning emollient emulsifying surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

PEG/PPG-18/6 Dimethicone operates by forming a conditioning layer on the skin due to its natural affinity, thereby imparting a smooth texture and delivering essential moisture. As an alkoxylated derivative of Dimethicone, its incorporated PEG moiety renders it hydrophilic, allowing it to serve both as a skin-conditioning agent and an effective surfactant, crucial for stabilizing emulsions.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.001–10%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Dimethicone Copolyol (an umbrella term encompassing PEG/PPG dimethicones) was consistently found not to be a primary skin irritant or sensitizer, even in undiluted forms or 40% aqueous solutions.
  2. 02 Bis-PEG/PPG 18/6 Dimethicone demonstrated effectiveness as a silicone-based surface active agent in foaming compositions with high alcohol content.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No data available regarding dusting potential.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

As an alkoxy polysiloxane with a PEG moiety, PEG/PPG-18/6 Dimethicone is hydrophilic, exhibiting good solubility in both water and various alcohols. Its water solubility and foaming characteristics generally increase with extended PEG chain lengths and higher numbers of alkoxy groups. Silicones are broadly recognized for their stability and inertness within standard cosmetic formulation parameters.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel has consistently affirmed the safety of 'Dimethicone Copolyol' (the broader classification for PEG/PPG dimethicones) for cosmetic use, reconfirming its 'safe as used' status in reports from 1982, 2005, and 2014. This compound is not anticipated to be comedogenic, nor to cause skin irritation from prolonged exposure, or phototoxic effects. While generally safe, manufacturers must ensure a high-purity grade is utilized to avoid potential contamination with manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. Minor, transient eye irritation may occur upon direct contact.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG/PPG-18/6 Dimethicone is a highly valuable, multi-functional ingredient offering significant skin conditioning, emulsifying, and emollient benefits with a low risk of irritation or comedogenicity, making it compatible with all skin types.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…

References

Sources