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PEG/PPG-6/4 DIMETHICONE.

Insufficient Data CAS - / EMULSION STABILISING, HUMECTANT

PEG/PPG-6/4 Dimethicone is a versatile silicone-based copolymer, functioning as a sophisticated emulsifier and humectant. It helps create stable oil-in-water formulations with a light, silky feel, while also drawing essential moisture to the skin.

Summary

Emollient Emulsifying Surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient is a copolymer of polydimethylsiloxane and polyoxyalkylene ethers. It acts as a light, silicone-based co-emulsifier for oil-in-water systems, effectively reducing interfacial tension between immiscible oil and water phases to form stable, finely dispersed emulsions. Additionally, it offers humectant properties, attracting and retaining moisture, which contributes to skin hydration and a desirable skin feel.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 3–30%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Dimethicone Copolyol, an umbrella term including PEG/PPG-6/4 Dimethicone, was not a primary skin irritant in a 40% aqueous solution.
  2. 02 Dimethicone Copolyol was neither a primary skin irritant nor a sensitizer when tested undiluted.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5 – 12
0 7 14

Stability

This versatile silicone can be used across a broad concentration range of 3.0-30.0% to develop stable oil-in-water creams and lotions, known for imparting a soft rub-out texture.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Insufficient data
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel issued an 'insufficient data' announcement in June 2014 for PEG/PPG-6/4 Dimethicone and related polyoxyalkylene siloxane copolymers, requesting additional data on molecular weight ranges, impurities, dermal penetration, irritation, and sensitization for the smallest ingredients. Prior to this, the broader category of 'Dimethicone Copolyol,' which includes this type of polymer, was concluded as 'safe as used' in 1982 and reaffirmed in 2005. The FDA periodically monitors 1,4-dioxane levels in cosmetic products, and the industry employs purification steps to limit its presence in PEG-containing ingredients.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Insufficient Data

While widely employed for its effective emulsifying and humectant properties, and generally associated with low irritation, the CIR Expert Panel has formally requested more specific data regarding the safety profile of PEG/PPG-6/4 Dimethicone.

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