PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
AKA: Silicone Glycol Copolymer, Dimethicone Copolyol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Silicone
Clean
Siloxanes and silicones, dimethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl methyl, ethoxylated, propoxylated (18 mol EO, 18 mol PO average molar ratio)
Form
Liquid
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed in the late 20th century as a silicone-based hybrid polymer combining polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and dimethicone. Created to improve the feel and spreadability of cosmetic formulations while providing water and silicone solubility.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
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-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