What Is Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/Peg-60 Copolymer?
Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/Peg-60 Copolymer is a silicone-based ingredient created by attaching around 60 units of ethylene oxide to a modified form of amodimethicone. The result is a water-compatible polymer that blends the slick feel of silicones with the ease of use offered by polyethylene glycol. It was developed in the late 1990s when formulators sought lightweight silicones that could rinse clean yet still deliver long-lasting smoothness. Production starts with amodimethicone, which is reacted with butyloxy groups to improve spreadability, then further reacted with ethylene oxide to form the Peg-60 segment. The finished copolymer is a viscous fluid or soft wax that disperses well in both water-based and anhydrous systems. You will commonly find it in leave-in and rinse-off hair conditioners, smoothing serums, curl creams, aerosol sprays, color-protecting shampoos, masks and styling products that promise frizz control or light hold.
Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/Peg-60 Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile polymer contributes two main benefits to haircare formulas
- Hair conditioning – forms a thin, flexible film along the hair shaft that fills in rough spots, making strands feel softer, look shinier and resist tangling without a heavy or greasy afterfeel
- Hair fixing – offers gentle hold by creating a humidity-resistant layer that helps styles stay in place, controls flyaways and reduces frizz so hair keeps its shape longer
Who Can Use Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/Peg-60 Copolymer
This ingredient is generally considered suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, because its large molecular size keeps it on the surface rather than letting it sink into pores. Only in very rare cases could someone with an established silicone sensitivity experience mild irritation.
Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/Peg-60 Copolymer is produced entirely from synthetic raw materials, with no animal-derived components or processing aids, so it is regarded as vegan and vegetarian friendly.
No specific hazards are linked to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when the ingredient is applied topically in rinse-off or leave-on hair products. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss any cosmetic product with a healthcare professional before regular use.
The copolymer does not make skin or scalp more sensitive to sunlight, and it has no known photo-reactive properties. It is also safe for color-treated hair and chemically relaxed hair because it forms a protective film without interfering with dye molecules or chemical bonds.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/Peg-60 Copolymer differ from person to person. The following points outline potential reactions, but most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild scalp or skin irritation in individuals with a sensitivity to silicones or polyethylene glycol compounds
- Build-up on hair leading to a weighed-down feel if the product is overused or not cleansed thoroughly with shampoo
- Contact dermatitis in extremely rare cases where a person has a specific allergy to the polymer or accompanying formula components
If any discomfort, redness or itching occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/Peg-60 Copolymer has a very low likelihood of clogging pores because its molecules are big, sit on the surface and rinse away more easily than traditional water-repellent silicones. This makes it generally acceptable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Its partial water solubility further limits heavy buildup, although overuse without proper cleansing could still leave a light film that some very oily skin types might notice.
Summary
Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/Peg-60 Copolymer conditions hair by laying down an ultrathin, flexible coating that smooths cuticles, boosts shine and cuts down on tangles. At the same time the film offers mild fixative benefits, helping styles resist humidity and frizz. Thanks to its water-compatible design, it delivers the slip of a silicone without the stubborn residue that older silicones can leave behind.
The ingredient is reasonably popular in modern conditioners, serums and light-hold sprays but it has not reached the household-name status of ingredients like dimethicone, partly because it costs more to produce and shows up mostly in mid to premium lines.
Safety data and everyday experience show a low risk of irritation, sensitization or pore clogging when used as directed. Even so, skin and scalp can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this copolymer before making it part of a regular routine.