murphyPEG-8 PEG-4 Dimethicone
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 8 Polyethylene Glycol 4 Dimethicone
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Silicone
Not Clean
OriginDerived from dimethicone (silicone polymer) reacted with polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds and allyl groups. Synthesized through ethoxylation and coupling reactions to create a hybrid silicone-PEG surfactant molecule.
PEG-8 PEG-4 Dimethicone is the reaction product of Hydrogen Dimethicone and allyl PEG-8 and allyl PEG-4.
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
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.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Conditions Hair
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Fights Bacteria
Lifts away dirt and oil
Softens and detangles hair
Mixes oil and water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2014
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR