Common Name(s): Cetyl peg-8 dimethicone,cetyl peg silicone emulsifier,dimethicone peg cetyl ether

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps silicone and water blend together smoothly in skin care formulas.

Why It's Used: Selected as a silicone-based emulsifier enabling water-in-silicone (w/si) or hybrid emulsion systems; the cetyl chain anchors in silicone/oil phases while peg-8 provides hydrophilicity.

How It Works: Peg-8 units provide moderate hydrophilicity; cetyl chains provide silicone-phase compatibility; the dimethicone backbone bridges phases enabling stable w/si emulsions with a light, non-greasy skin feel.

Typically Found In: Lightweight lotions,silicone-based emulsions,sunscreens,skin primers,after-sun products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,emollient,silicone emulsification

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Silicone-based; synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: status downgraded on audit. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated. silicone-derived; inert.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Cyclopentasiloxane,dimethicone,cyclomethicone,organic emollients

Avoid Combining With: Strong oxidizers; incompatible with highly ionic systems

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Cetyl peg-8 dimethicone is a key w/si emulsifier (hlb ~8–10); the amphiphilic silicone backbone orients at the silicone-water interface with peg pendant groups directing toward water and cetyl groups toward the silicone continuous phase.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,dow corning/evonik technical sheets,inci dictionary