What Is Bis-Peg/Ppg-20/5 Peg/Ppg-20/5 Dimethicone?
Bis-Peg/Ppg-20/5 Peg/Ppg-20/5 Dimethicone is a silicone ingredient that starts with dimethicone, a smooth clear oil made from silica. Chemists attach repeating units of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) to the dimethicone chain. These extra pieces let the normally water-hating silicone mix with water. The numbers 20/5 tell you there are about 20 units of PEG and 5 units of PPG on each end and along the side of the molecule.
The basic idea of linking PEG and PPG to silicones appeared in the late 1980s when formulators wanted the silky feel of dimethicone without the greasy buildup. By the mid-1990s suppliers refined the process, making this specific 20/5 version that could hold oily and watery parts of a formula together. It is made in closed reactors where dimethicone is treated with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide under heat and pressure. The result is a syrupy fluid that is then filtered and tested for purity before it goes to cosmetic labs.
Because it can bridge oil and water, Bis-Peg/Ppg-20/5 Peg/Ppg-20/5 Dimethicone shows up in a wide range of products: lightweight face creams, hydrating masks, anti aging serums, makeup primers, foundations, sunscreens, leave-in hair conditioners, styling creams and cleansing balms. In each case it helps keep the product smooth and stable while giving skin or hair a soft non-greasy feel.
Bis-Peg/Ppg-20/5 Peg/Ppg-20/5 Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient mainly works by managing how oil and water behave in a formula, which brings several practical benefits.
- Emulsion Stabilising: It sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets, keeping them from separating over time. That means your cream or lotion stays uniform from the first pump to the last
- Emulsifying: It helps the formulator blend oil-based and water-based ingredients in the first place, allowing for lighter textures that spread easily and absorb well
Who Can Use Bis-Peg/Ppg-20/5 Peg/Ppg-20/5 Dimethicone
This silicone-based ingredient is considered skin friendly for most people. Its lightweight texture suits dry, oily and combination skin because it forms a breathable film that helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well since it is chemically inert and fragrance free, though anyone with a known silicone sensitivity should steer clear.
Because it is produced synthetically from silica, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide it contains no animal-derived matter, so it is typically suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Check the finished product for animal testing policies if that is a concern.
Current cosmetic safety reviews find no reproductive or developmental warnings, so products containing this ingredient are widely regarded as safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; expecting or nursing mothers should still run any skincare routine past a qualified health professional.
Bis-Peg/Ppg-20/5 Peg/Ppg-20/5 Dimethicone does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no special need to adjust sun exposure beyond normal daily SPF use. It is also odorless, nonvolatile and compatible with most other common skincare actives, making it easy to slot into an existing routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Bis-Peg/Ppg-20/5 Peg/Ppg-20/5 Dimethicone can vary from person to person. The points below describe potential issues, but they remain uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or stinging in individuals with a silicone allergy
- Transient clogged pores for those extremely prone to comedones if used in very rich formulations
- Rare contact dermatitis triggered by other formula components trapped under the silicone film
- Eye irritation if the raw ingredient is accidentally rubbed into the eyes before it is fully diluted in a finished product
If any irritation, swelling or rash develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. The silicone backbone forms a breathable film that is less occlusive than heavier oils and waxes while the PEG and PPG groups boost water compatibility, so it rarely traps debris in pores. Most clinical and consumer reports link dimethicone derivatives with low clogging potential, putting this material just above non-comedogenic. It is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts unless they react to silicones in general.
Formulation matters: if the ingredient sits alongside rich butters or heavy esters the final product may feel thicker and increase the chance of congestion. In lightweight gels or lotions its pore impact is minimal.
Summary
Bis-Peg/Ppg-20/5 Peg/Ppg-20/5 Dimethicone acts as an emulsifier and emulsion stabiliser. The silicone part spreads smoothly over skin or hair while the attached PEG and PPG units grab onto water and oil, letting the molecule sit at their interface and keep everything blended. This dual nature gives products a silky glide, helps them stay uniform and cuts down on greasy feel.
You will spot it fairly often in modern moisturisers, primers, sunscreens and leave-in conditioners though it is not as ubiquitous as plain dimethicone. Brands like its ability to lighten textures without sacrificing stability so its presence has been growing steadily.
Safety evaluations find it non-sensitising non-irritating and free of major health flags at cosmetic use levels. While problems are rare, every skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists this ingredient before making it part of your daily routine.