What Is Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone?
Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone is a modified silicone created by attaching small amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) to a dimethicone backbone. This gives the ingredient a partly water friendly side while keeping the smooth feel that silicones are known for. The numbers 16/2 describe the average amounts of each glycol group added during production.
Silicones first entered beauty products in the 1950s for their silky glide and water resistance. Over time chemists began grafting PEG and PPG chains onto the basic silicone structure to make the material mix better with water based formulas. Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone is one of these next generation hybrids and has been used since the late 1980s as formulators looked for ways to create lighter textures that still feel luxurious.
The ingredient is produced through a controlled reaction where ethylene oxide and propylene oxide gases are added to dimethicone under heat and pressure. This process, called ethoxylation and propoxylation, is carefully monitored so that roughly 16 units of ethylene oxide and 2 units of propylene oxide bond to each silicone chain.
You will most often see Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone in lightweight moisturizers, anti aging serums, sheet masks, sunscreens, makeup primers, foundations, leave in hair conditioners and after shave balms. It is favored in products that need to blend oil and water smoothly while leaving a soft powdery finish.
Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main role in a formula which has several practical payoffs for both the product and the user.
As an emulsifying agent Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone helps oil and water stay mixed so the cream or lotion does not split in the jar. A stable emulsion pours or pumps easily spreads evenly on skin and delivers all its active ingredients in a uniform layer. By keeping the mixture stable it also extends shelf life reduces the need for extra thickening agents and provides a light non greasy feel that many consumers prefer.
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone
This silicone-based emulsifier is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, combination, dry and sensitive. Its lightweight texture does not clog pores for most users and the added PEG/PPG groups help it rinse away more easily than traditional dimethicone. Individuals with a known silicone allergy or those who strongly prefer silicone-free routines may want to avoid it.
Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone is produced synthetically from petroleum-derived raw materials so it contains no animal ingredients. On that basis it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, though anyone following a strict cruelty-free lifestyle should also verify that the finished product is not tested on animals.
The molecule is large and stays mostly on the surface of skin which is why cosmetic panels consider it low risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the ingredient list of any new product to a healthcare professional before use just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity and can be worn during daytime without heightening the risk of sunburn. It also plays well with common actives like retinol and vitamin C because it is chemically stable and non reactive.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that have been reported on occasion yet are not expected to be the norm as long as the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or itching in those with a specific silicone sensitivity
- Transient stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Watery eyes or irritation if the product accidentally enters the eye area
- Congestion or small breakouts in users who are extremely prone to pore blockage
If you experience any of these reactions discontinue use and consult a qualified medical professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone earns a low score because its large silicone backbone is too big to work its way into pores and the attached PEG/PPG groups make it more water dispersible than straight dimethicone. This combination means it tends to sit on the surface, form a breathable film and rinse away with normal cleansing rather than building up inside follicles.
Thanks to this minimal pore-blocking potential it is generally suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind that a formula’s overall comedogenicity depends on every ingredient present, so even a low-risk emulsifier can feel heavier if paired with richer oils or waxes.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-16/2 Dimethicone is a hybrid silicone that acts primarily as an emulsifier, keeping oil and water perfectly blended while adding a silky, weightless finish. The PEG and PPG side chains help it disperse in water-based formulas and wash off more easily than classic silicones.
It shows up in a wide range of modern skincare and makeup, especially products aiming for a light, non-greasy feel. While not as famous as plain dimethicone it remains a quiet workhorse in many best-selling moisturizers, sunscreens and primers.
Safety reviews find it non-sensitizing, non-irritating and unlikely to clog pores for most users. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is always smart to patch test any new product that contains this or any other unfamiliar ingredient.