PEG/PPG-12/16 Dimethicone
AKA “Silicone Surfactant, Hybrid Dimethicone”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg/ppg-12/16 dimethicone
AKA: Silicone Surfactant, Hybrid Dimethicone
Surfactant · Antifoaming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Silicone
Not Clean
Siloxanes and silicones, dimethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl methyl, ethoxylated, propoxylated (12 mol EO, 16 mol PO average molar ratio)
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Antifoaming
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic silicone copolymer developed for the cosmetics industry in the late 20th century. Designed to provide enhanced conditioning, emulsification, and skin feel in advanced skincare formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR