murphyPEG-12 Dimethicone
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 12 Dimethicone, Water-soluble Silicone
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Silicone
Clean
OriginDerived from dimethicone, a silicone polymer, combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. Synthesized through ethoxylation, attaching polyoxyethylene units to dimethicone backbone.
Silicones and siloxanes, dimethyl, hydropoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl methyl, trimethylsilyl terminated (12 mol EO average molar ratio)
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 664)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions slight (CIR 664)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 2 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 664)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0016–6.5%
Rinse-off0.1–5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR