PEG/PPG-4/12 Dimethicone

PEG/PPG-4/12 Dimethicone molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Silicone Surfactant, Silicone Emulsifier
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Silicone
Not Clean
OriginDerived from dimethicone (a siloxane polymer) and polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol starting materials. Synthesized through ethoxylation and propoxylation reactions adding polyether chains to the silicone backbone.
Siloxanes and silicones, dimethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl methyl, ethoxylated, propoxylated (4 mol EO, 12 mol PO average molar ratio)
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.6–2.9%
Rinse-off1.4%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2014
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR