PEG/PPG-16/2 Dimethicone
AKA “Silicone Glycol Copolymer, Dimethicone Copolyol”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg/ppg-16/2 dimethicone
AKA: Silicone Glycol Copolymer, Dimethicone Copolyol
Surfactant · Emulsifying · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Silicone
Not Clean
Siloxanes and silicones, dimethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl methyl, ethoxylated, propoxylated (16 mol EO, 2 mol PO average molar ratio)
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic silicone copolymer developed in the late 20th century as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient. Engineered to improve emulsification, conditioning, and overall product performance in skincare.
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
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
PEG/PPG-16/2 Dimethicone
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Preliminary 1 month stability screening of cosmetic multiple emulsions (W/O/W) prepared using cetyl dimethicone copolyol and Polysorbate 80.
Khan H, Akhtar N, Mahmood T, Jameel A, Mohsin S
International journal of cosmetic science, 2015
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR