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PEG/PPG-20/23 DIMETHICONE.

Valuable CAS - / EMULSION STABILISING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone is a water-dispersible silicone fluid that provides the characteristic smoothness of dimethicone, while also functioning as an emulsifier and solubilizer. It forms a protective barrier on the skin, enhancing product texture with a silky, non-greasy after-feel.

Summary

Emollient Co-Emulsifier Conditioning Agent Skin Barrier Enhancer Texturizer Emulsion Stabilizer Surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This water-dispersible silicone fluid delivers the hallmark smoothness of Dimethicone. It functions by forming a non-occlusive barrier on the skin's surface, which effectively reduces transepidermal water loss and offers protection against environmental aggressors. Furthermore, it acts as an emollient to soften the skin, a co-emulsifier to stabilize formulations, and a conditioning agent, ultimately improving product spreadability and imparting a luxurious, non-tacky finish.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No data available to suggest PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone is commonly 'dusted' or associated with specific dusting thresholds.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Generally stable, exhibiting hydrophilic properties typical of alkoxy polysiloxanes with a PEG moiety, making it soluble in both water and alcohols.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone is safe for use in cosmetics under current practices of use and concentration, a finding reaffirmed upon re-review. The US FDA also considers it a safe skin protector at low concentrations, particularly given its high molecular weight and minimal skin absorption. However, certain environmental and regulatory bodies, such as the European Union Ecolabel program and EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes, have raised concerns about its environmental persistence and non-anaerobic degradability. Broader concerns regarding suspected reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity have been cited by some sources (e.g., California OEHHA Proposition 65) for related substances or general chemical classifications, often in contexts beyond direct cosmetic application.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone is a valuable multi-functional ingredient offering superior skin feel, barrier support, and formulation stability across a wide range of cosmetic products.

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