PEG/PPG-16/8 Dimethicone
AKA “Silicone Glycol Copolymer, Dimethicone Copolyol”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg/ppg-16/8 dimethicone
AKA: Silicone Glycol Copolymer, Dimethicone Copolyol
Surfactant · Antifoaming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Silicone
Not Clean
Siloxanes and silicones, dimethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl methyl, ethoxylated, propoxylated (16 mol EO, 8 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 polymer combining polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and silicone technology, developed in the late 20th century. Created to provide enhanced conditioning and texture in contemporary cosmetic 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
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
PEG/PPG-16/8 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