PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone

What is PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone?

PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone is a synthetic, amphiphilic polymer derived from dimethicone, a polydimethylsiloxane backbone, grafted with polyethylene glycol (PEG-20) and polypropylene glycol (PPG-23) chains. This modification imparts water solubility and surface activity, distinguishing it from oil-soluble silicones. Typically used in rinse-off and leave-on products like shampoos, conditioners, lotions, serums, and clear sprays. It functions by lowering surface tension to aid mixing of ingredients, forming thin lubricating films for smooth application, reinforcing emulsion interfaces to prevent separation, and enabling incorporation of fragrances or oils into watery formulas without cloudiness. Its dual hydrophilic-lipophilic structure enhances product texture, glide, and stability across hair and skin care categories.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Emulsion stabilizer
Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.
Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Slip modifier
Improves the spreadability and glide of products on skin.
Surface modifier
Alters surface properties such as wetting, spread, and feel, helping improve application, coverage, and sensory profile on skin, hair, or pigments.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Provides conditioning effects for softer, more manageable hair and smoother skin feel.

Improves spreadability and slip, making products easier to apply evenly.

Supports clear, stable formulations by solubilizing oils and stabilizing emulsions.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with dry or tangled hair needing better manageability and shine.
Those sensitive to PEG-modified ingredients.
Users of lightweight lotions or serums seeking enhanced glide without greasiness.
People avoiding silicones for personal preference.
Individuals preferring water-clear products like toners with solubilized actives.
Individuals concerned about potential impurities in ethoxylated compounds.

Safety Notes

  • Recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by expert reviews, with low irritation potential.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores based on formulation properties.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone

What does PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone do in products?

It conditions skin and hair, modifies slip for better spread, stabilizes emulsions, and solubilizes oils in water-based formulas.

Is it irritating to skin?

Evidence from reviews shows low irritation potential for most users in typical concentrations.

Does it cause breakouts?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore clogging.