PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether

PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Silicone Glycol Copolymer
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Methyloxirane, polymer with oxirane, dimethyl ether (17 mol EO, 4 mol PO average)
Effective at 3.5%
Functions
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 modern synthetic solvent and conditioning agent developed for the cosmetics industry in the late 20th century. Created to improve ingredient solubility and product texture in contemporary formulations.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.00011%
7.0%
0%10%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.01-2 | 0.00011-7 | 0.1-5
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR