Methoxy PEG-10 Polysilsesquioxane
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Silicone Polymer, Film Former
Synthetic
Humectant
Cleanser
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Silicone
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), \a-methyl-\q-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy]-, hydrolyzed
CAS #
1838163-04-4
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Modern silicone-polyethylene glycol hybrid polymer created in the late 20th century for cosmetics to provide film-forming, water-resistant, and texture-enhancing properties.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR