PEG-12 Dimethicone

PEG-12 Dimethicone 1
PEG-12 Dimethicone 2
PEG-12 Dimethicone 3
PEG-12 Dimethicone 4
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 12 Dimethicone, Water-soluble Silicone
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Silicone
Clean
Silicones and siloxanes, dimethyl, hydropoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl methyl, trimethylsilyl terminated (12 mol EO average molar ratio)
Form
Liquid
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
Traditional Use
A hybrid silicone-polymer ingredient developed in the late 20th century combining PEG technology with dimethicone. Created to provide lightweight, water-resistant conditioning while maintaining product spreadability.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR