What Is Bis-Peg/Ppg-16/16 Peg/Ppg-16/16 Dimethicone?
Bis-Peg/Ppg-16/16 Peg/Ppg-16/16 Dimethicone is a silicone-based compound derived from dimethicone, a well-known skin-friendly polymer. Chemists bond dimethicone to alternating units of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) with an average of 16 units each. This hybrid structure gives the molecule a “dual personality”: the silicone backbone loves oils, while the PEG and PPG side chains love water. That balance lets it sit comfortably between oil and water phases in a cosmetic formula.
Silicones entered beauty products in the 1950s for their silky feel. As formulators looked for lighter textures and better spreadability, they began modifying dimethicone with PEG and PPG blocks. The result was multifunctional ingredients like Bis-Peg/Ppg-16/16 Peg/Ppg-16/16 Dimethicone, introduced in the early 2000s for high-performance skincare and makeup.
Manufacturing starts with medical-grade silicone oil. Through controlled hydrosilylation, reactive sites are opened along the chain. Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide gases are then added in a process called alkoxylation, building the PEG and PPG segments until the desired 16/16 ratio is reached. The final material is purified, yielding a clear, low-odor fluid.
You will typically find this ingredient in lightweight moisturizers, serums, primers, sunscreens, sheet masks, anti-aging creams, makeup removers and rinse-off cleansers. Its ability to bridge water and oil allows formulators to create elegant, fast-absorbing textures that feel weightless yet protective.
Bis-Peg/Ppg-16/16 Peg/Ppg-16/16 Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient pulls double duty in many formulas, offering several helpful functions:
- Skin conditioning: Forms a breathable film that smooths rough patches, leaving skin feeling soft and comfortable
- Emollient: Fills in microscopic gaps on the skin surface so it feels silky rather than dry or tight
- Cleansing: Its partial water solubility helps lift makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum for gentler rinse-off without residue
- Emulsifying: Stabilizes mixtures that contain both oil and water, preventing separation and giving creams or lotions a consistent texture
Who Can Use Bis-Peg/Ppg-16/16 Peg/Ppg-16/16 Dimethicone
This ingredient is generally kind to most skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily, because it creates a light film that locks in moisture without feeling greasy. Sensitive skin also tends to tolerate it well since it is non-reactive and free of fragrance or common irritants. If you battle very clogged pores and prefer to avoid any kind of silicone you may want to patch test first, but the risk is low.
Bis-Peg/Ppg-16/16 Peg/Ppg-16/16 Dimethicone is synthesized in a lab and does not use animal-derived materials, so it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current data shows no reason it cannot be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new products to a routine.
The ingredient does not increase sensitivity to sunlight, so it will not make skin burn more easily. As with any skincare formula, pairing daytime use with a broad-spectrum sunscreen is still smart for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Everyone’s skin is different and reactions to Bis-Peg/Ppg-16/16 Peg/Ppg-16/16 Dimethicone can vary. The points below list possible side effects, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at normal levels in well-formulated products.
- Mild stinging or redness
- Temporary itching in very sensitive skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis
- Increased breakouts in individuals already prone to silicone-related congestion
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these effects appear and do not calm down quickly stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
This low score comes from its partial water solubility, large molecular size and lightweight film-forming nature, all of which make it unlikely to wedge into pores or seal them off completely.
Suitable for acne-prone skin because it rarely causes or worsens breakouts.
If clogging occurs it is usually due to other heavy ingredients in the same product or inadequate cleansing at the end of the day.
Summary
Bis-Peg/Ppg-16/16 Peg/Ppg-16/16 Dimethicone conditions skin, acts as an emollient, helps cleanse and stabilises oil-in-water mixtures. It achieves this by forming a thin protective layer, smoothing micro-gaps, grabbing on to both oil and water grime during rinsing and sitting at the interface of oil and water so lotions stay mixed.
It has a quiet but steady presence in modern skincare, showing up most often in lightweight moisturisers, primers, sunscreens and gentle cleansers rather than topping bestseller ingredient lists.
Current research and real-world use point to a strong safety record with low irritation and low comedogenic risk. Still, every skin is unique so performing a small patch test whenever you introduce a new product containing this silicone derivative is a smart step.