What Is C8-12 Alkyl Glucosidyl Hydroxycyclohexylethyl Peg-18/Ppg-6 Dimethicone?
C8-12 Alkyl Glucosidyl Hydroxycyclohexylethyl Peg-18/Ppg-6 Dimethicone is a specialty silicone that has been modified with small sugar-based units and lightweight alcohol chains. The silicone part gives the ingredient its signature slip while the glucose and alkyl segments help it mix with water-based ingredients. Chemists first started blending silicones with sugars in the late 1990s when brands wanted conditioners that felt less greasy yet still delivered shine. This particular compound is produced by attaching glucose-derived alkyl groups and polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol chains to a dimethicone backbone, then linking the final molecule to a hydroxycyclohexyl unit for extra stability. The result is an amphiphilic, or dual-loving, ingredient that can nestle into both oil and water phases of a formula.
Manufacturing begins with food-grade glucose, medium-chain fatty alcohols from coconut or palm and medical-grade dimethicone. Through controlled esterification and ethoxylation steps the raw materials are bonded, creating a uniform fluid. The finished ingredient is usually a clear to slightly hazy liquid that blends easily into creams, lotions or sprays.
You will most often spot it in leave-in hair conditioners, anti-frizz serums, skin lotions, lightweight facial moisturizers, after-sun gels and BB or CC creams where a silky feel and quick spread are important.
C8-12 Alkyl Glucosidyl Hydroxycyclohexylethyl Peg-18/Ppg-6 Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker improves both feel and performance of many beauty products.
- Antistatic: Helps neutralize static charges on hair strands so flyaways stay under control and styles look smoother
- Hair conditioning: Forms a thin, flexible film around each strand that boosts softness, enhances shine and makes detangling easier without weighing hair down
- Skin conditioning: Glides over the skin to leave a silky, non-greasy finish that locks in moisture and makes the surface feel smoother so makeup applies more evenly
Who Can Use C8-12 Alkyl Glucosidyl Hydroxycyclohexylethyl Peg-18/Ppg-6 Dimethicone
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types. Its feather-light texture makes it a good fit for oily or combination skin because it does not leave a greasy residue, while the protective film it forms helps dry or mature skin hold on to moisture. Sensitive skin usually handles it well since the molecule is large and unlikely to penetrate deeply, though anyone with a known silicone sensitivity should proceed with caution.
The raw materials come from plant sugar, coconut or palm alcohols and laboratory-made silicone, so the finished ingredient is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the final product for cruelty-free certification if animal testing policies matter to you.
No evidence links this ingredient to reproductive or developmental toxicity, which means it is considered safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should confirm product choices with a healthcare professional.
C8-12 Alkyl Glucosidyl Hydroxycyclohexylethyl Peg-18/Ppg-6 Dimethicone does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and can be worn alongside SPF without issue. It also plays nicely with most other cosmetic ingredients, so you will rarely run into compatibility problems.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical C8-12 Alkyl Glucosidyl Hydroxycyclohexylethyl Peg-18/Ppg-6 Dimethicone vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues, but most users experience none of them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation or redness in those with a silicone intolerance
- Temporary clogged pores or small breakouts if very heavy layers are applied to acne-prone areas
- Allergic contact dermatitis triggered by trace manufacturing residues, extremely rare
- Product build-up on hair shafts leading to limpness until washed with a clarifying shampoo
- Reduced penetration of certain water-based actives when applied underneath this film-forming silicone
If any unexpected irritation, breakout or discomfort occurs, stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
This modified silicone forms an airy, breathable film rather than a heavy, occlusive layer, so it is unlikely to sit in pores or trap excess oil. Its sugar-based side chains improve water solubility which helps it rinse off more easily than classic dimethicone. Because it still has some silicone backbone, a small chance of buildup exists on very oily, congestion-prone skin, which is why it earns a cautious 1 instead of 0.
Most people prone to acne can use products containing this ingredient without extra worry, provided the overall formula is lightweight and well balanced.
Formulators often pair it with mild surfactants or include it in leave-in treatments at low percentages, further reducing any pore-clogging risk.
Summary
C8-12 Alkyl Glucosidyl Hydroxycyclohexylethyl Peg-18/Ppg-6 Dimethicone delivers antistatic effects, hair conditioning and skin conditioning in one package. The silicone spine smooths and protects surfaces, the glucose and alkyl groups let it mingle with water for lighter feel and the PEG/PPG chains boost spreadability which translates to easier detangling, softer touch and a velvety finish on skin.
While it is not a headline-grabber like hyaluronic acid or retinol, this hybrid silicone has carved out a quiet following among formulators who want slip without grease. You will spot it mostly in mid-to-premium leave-in hair serums, BB creams and light moisturizers.
Safety data show very low irritation or sensitization potential, no links to hormonal disruption and no photo-reactivity, making it a reassuring choice for daily products. As with any new cosmetic, try a small patch first to confirm personal compatibility.