Common Name(s): Peg/ppg-modified silicone,water-soluble silicone,hydrophilic silicone emulsifier
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Delivers silicone conditioning (smooth skin feel, low friction, water resistance) in water-based formulations where pure dimethicone is incompatible โ providing the sensory benefits of silicone with aqueous phase compatibility.
Why It's Used: Peg/ppg silicones bridge the incompatibility between dimethicone and aqueous formulations โ the grafted peg/ppg chains provide sufficient water affinity for aqueous dispersion while the si-o backbone provides the characteristic silicone sensory benefits.
How It Works: Peg or ppg chains grafted onto the silicone backbone via si-o-chโ linkages provide hydrophilicity (hlb increases with peg chain length). the amphiphilic structure enables self-emulsification and aqueous dispersion while the polydimethylsiloxane backbone provides low surface energy (20 mn/m) for smooth skin glide.
Typically Found In: O/w emulsions,aqueous skin care,hair care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Peg-modified silicone hlb varies from 3 (short peg, w/o) to 15 (long peg, o/w) โ the peg chain length selection determines whether the ingredient functions as a w/o co-emulsifier or o/w emulsifier/solubiliser.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,peg-4 peg-12 dimethicone peg silicone water-soluble review