PEG-12 Dimethicone

PEG-12 Dimethicone is a silicone polyether made by grafting polyethylene glycol onto dimethicone, creating a nonionic surfactant. It stabilizes silicone-in-water emulsions, improves glide, and helps distribute silicones and pigments evenly.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A silicone ingredient that gives makeup a silky, uniform finish.
Category
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Type
Emulsifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Gives a silky, non-tacky glide and a smoother-looking finish. Helps makeup lay down uniformly for a more refined appearance.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in primers, serums, tinted moisturizers, and sunscreens to keep silicone ingredients evenly dispersed. Also used in lightweight creams to improve slip without heaviness.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient has a comedogenic rating of 0. It is considered non-comedogenic and has little to no likelihood of clogging pores.

Safety

Usually well tolerated with a low chance of irritation; occasional sensitivity can occur on compromised or highly reactive skin. No specific regulatory restrictions commonly noted in cosmetics.

Is PEG-12 Dimethicone a Good Ingredient?

Rated Good for reliably stabilizing silicone-in-water systems and delivering a silky glide with generally low irritation. It isn't rated higher because the benefits are mainly formulation-centric with limited direct, clinically substantiated skin improvement.

Products with PEG-12 Dimethicone

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