What Is Peg-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer?
Peg-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone based ingredient created by linking dimethicone units with vinyl dimethicone units and attaching about ten ethylene oxide groups to improve their mixability with water. The result is a soft, powder like material that can be dispersed into oils or water based systems, giving chemists a flexible way to adjust texture. Silicones first entered beauty formulas in the 1950s for their silky slip, and this newer crosslinked version was developed in the last two decades to answer the demand for lighter, longer wearing finishes in skin and hair products.
The process starts with medical grade quartz sand that is refined into elemental silicon, then polymerized into dimethicone chains. These chains are partially capped with vinyl groups, reacted together to form a three dimensional network, then treated with ethylene oxide in a controlled setting to add the PEG-10 side groups. The final powder is filtered, dried and milled before shipment to cosmetic labs.
You will most often find Peg-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer in primers, liquid and powder foundations, oil free moisturizers, sunscreens, leave in hair conditioners, smoothing hair serums, sheet masks and matte finish creams where a lightweight feel and lasting smoothness are key selling points.
Peg-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking silicone supports both the performance and stability of modern beauty products
- Light stabilizer: Helps protect light sensitive ingredients such as dyes, fragrances and antioxidants, keeping color true and scent fresh throughout the product’s shelf life
- Viscosity controlling: Gives chemists a simple way to thicken watery formulas or thin heavy ones, resulting in a silky, cushiony texture that spreads evenly and sets quickly without a greasy afterfeel
Who Can Use Peg-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
This silicone is generally well tolerated by dry, oily and sensitive skin because it forms a breathable film that lets water vapor escape while blocking irritants. Its lightweight feel suits acne-prone complexions better than heavier oils though anyone extremely prone to breakouts may prefer to patch test first. There are no known concerns for mature skin or for use on the scalp and hair.
Peg-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is fully synthetic and contains no animal derived components so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has found dimethicone based polymers safe for topical use during pregnancy and breastfeeding at the concentrations used in personal care products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should clear all skincare choices with a doctor to be extra sure.
The ingredient does not absorb UV light or make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is not known to cause photosensitivity. It also stays stable across a wide pH range and plays nicely with common actives like vitamin C or retinoids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Peg-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer can vary from person to person. The following are potential side effects that could occur though most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished formula.
- Mild pore congestion: Very oily or acne-prone skin might notice a buildup if heavy layers are applied repeatedly without proper cleansing
- Contact irritation: A small number of users could feel redness, itching or stinging due to individual sensitivity to silicones or the other ingredients in the product
- Eye discomfort: If a product containing the polymer drifts into the eyes it may cause temporary irritation or blurred vision until rinsed out
- Hair dullness with overuse: In leave-in hair products excessive buildup on the cuticle can make strands look flat until washed with a clarifying shampoo
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
This very low score is due to the polymer’s large, crosslinked structure which sits on top of skin rather than seeping into pores. The added PEG groups make it more water dispersible so it rinses off easily, further limiting buildup. Silicone chemistries in this size range are widely considered non occlusive for most users.
With such a low rating the ingredient is generally fine for people prone to acne or breakouts, especially when compared with heavier oils or waxes.
One thing to note is that comedogenicity can rise if the polymer is blended with rich butters or if multiple silicone layers are left on skin without proper cleansing, which is a formula issue rather than an inherent property of the polymer itself.
Summary
Peg-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer mainly acts as a light stabilizer and viscosity controller. Its three dimensional silicone network shields light sensitive actives while the PEG side chains let formulators fine tune thickness, giving creams and serums a weightless, velvety glide that dries down quickly.
Although not as universally famous as plain dimethicone, this crosspolymer has carved out a steady following in primers, long wear foundations and featherlight hair serums where its powdery afterfeel is a selling point.
Regulatory panels regard it as low risk for irritation or sensitization and it is inert, non reactive and vegan friendly. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is smart to do a quick patch test before full use to make sure your skin agrees with it.