What Is Dimethicone/Peg-3/Ppg-15 Crosspolymer?
Dimethicone/Peg-3/Ppg-15 Crosspolymer is a lab made silicone-based ingredient. It blends dimethicone, a smooth feeling silicone, with short chains of polyethylene glycol (PEG-3) and polypropylene glycol (PPG-15). The result is a three-dimensional network that holds light oils and water in a stable, flexible gel.
The raw materials start with silica, which is refined into silicone fluids, and with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, which form the PEG and PPG parts. Chemists link these pieces together in a controlled reaction called hydrosilylation, creating a soft elastic polymer that stays put on skin.
Silicones entered beauty products in the 1950s for their silky touch. As formulators looked for lighter textures in the 1990s they crosslinked dimethicone with PEG and PPG blocks, giving rise to ingredients like this one that leave no heavy residue. Today it appears in a wide range of leave-on products such as primers, tinted moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-aging creams, sheet masks, light gel creams, hair serums and styling balms.
Dimethicone/Peg-3/Ppg-15 Crosspolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is chosen because it improves both the feel and stability of a formula:
- Skin conditioning: Forms a breathable film that makes skin feel silky, reduces the look of fine lines and helps lock in moisture without an oily finish
- Viscosity controlling: Thickens or gels a mix of water and oils so the final product spreads evenly and stays uniform during storage
Who Can Use Dimethicone/Peg-3/Ppg-15 Crosspolymer
Because it forms a light breathable film rather than a greasy layer this silicone mix suits nearly all skin types. Dry skin appreciates the softening cushion it provides, oily and combination skin enjoy the silky feel without extra shine and most sensitive skin tolerates it well thanks to its inert nature. The only group that may want to proceed with caution are people who know they react poorly to silicones in general, as the polymer structure is still silicone based even though it is lighter than traditional dimethicone.
The ingredient is entirely synthetic so it is classed as vegan and vegetarian friendly. No animal derived substances or by products are used during manufacturing, though anyone following a strict lifestyle should still check the rest of the formula for animal sourced additives.
Dimethicone/Peg-3/Ppg-15 Crosspolymer is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding because its large molecules sit on the surface of the skin and do not readily penetrate. This is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should show any product containing it to a doctor before use to be sure it meets personal health needs.
The polymer does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sun protection practices are still recommended with any skincare routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Dimethicone/Peg-3/Ppg-15 Crosspolymer differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well formulated product.
- Mild transient redness or stinging
- Contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitised to silicones, PEGs or PPGs
- Pore congestion if a heavily loaded formula is used on very oily or acne prone skin
- Allergic reaction caused by trace catalysts or impurities left from manufacturing
If any negative reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Dimethicone/Peg-3/Ppg-15 Crosspolymer forms a lightweight breathable film that sits on top of the skin rather than soaking into pores. Its large branched molecules are too big to block follicle openings and the added PEG-PPG chains reduce the dense occlusive feel that some straight silicones can have. Because of this, it is classed as very low on the comedogenic scale.
Most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing this ingredient with little worry, although overall formula richness and personal skin tendencies still matter.
Keep in mind that comedogenicity is measured on single ingredients tested in isolation. A finished product that combines this polymer with heavy plant oils or waxes could still clog pores if overused, so texture and total oil load should always guide choice.
Summary
Dimethicone/Peg-3/Ppg-15 Crosspolymer conditions skin by laying down a silky cushion that smooths fine lines and helps seal in moisture while avoiding a greasy after-feel. At the same time its three-dimensional network thickens water-and-oil blends, stabilising formulas so they stay uniform from the lab to your bathroom shelf.
Although not a household name like plain dimethicone, this crosspolymer appears in many primers, gel creams, sunscreens and hair serums where brands want slip without weight. Its popularity is steady and growing as consumers look for feather-light textures.
Current safety data show it is largely inert, non-sensitising and non-phototoxic when used at typical cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare ingredient a simple patch test is still a good idea to make sure your individual skin agrees with it.