What Is Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone?
Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone is a silicone based ingredient that has been chemically linked with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). The numbers 20 and 23 refer to the average amounts of each of these two linkers that are attached to a dimethicone backbone. This marriage of silicone and gentle water loving chains creates a hybrid material that can mix with both oils and water, making it a prized helper in modern skin and hair care.
Silicones first appeared in cosmetics during the 1950s when chemists noticed their silky slip and protective feel. To improve the way silicones blended with watery formulas, scientists started grafting PEG and PPG groups onto them and Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone was one of the results. Today the ingredient is produced in controlled reactors where dimethicone is reacted with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide until the desired 20:23 ratio is reached. The finished liquid is purified, tested and then delivered to beauty labs around the world.
Because it can dissolve a little in water yet still behave like a silicone, Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone appears in lightweight moisturizers, anti aging serums, sheet mask essences, sunscreens, leave-in conditioners, color safe shampoos, styling creams and gentle face washes. It is popular in formulas that need a smooth feel without a greasy finish.
Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker brings several helpful traits to a formula:
- Emulsion stabilising – Keeps water and oil phases from separating so lotions stay creamy and sprays stay even
- Hair conditioning – Coats strands with a light film that improves detangling, adds gloss and helps tame frizz without heavy buildup
- Skin conditioning – Forms a breathable layer that leaves skin feeling soft and silky while reducing moisture loss
- Cleansing – Helps lift dirt and makeup then rinses away cleanly which supports a gentle yet effective cleanse
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone
Thanks to its light non-greasy texture Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone is generally well suited to dry, normal, oily and combination skin. Sensitive skin often tolerates it because silicones are inert and form a protective barrier that reduces friction. Very acne-prone skin can still benefit, yet some users worry that any film-forming ingredient might trap sebum and bacteria so extra attention to how the overall formula feels is wise.
The ingredient is made entirely by chemical synthesis and contains no animal-derived substances which means it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians provided the rest of the product also meets their standards.
Current safety reviews classify Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone as low risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women since it sits on the surface of skin and has minimal absorption. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of their skincare to a healthcare professional before use.
Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential issues and are unlikely for most people when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished cosmetic product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itchiness in very sensitive individuals
- Rare cases of contact dermatitis triggered by a personal allergy to silicones or trace impurities
- Temporary clogged pores or breakouts in users who are highly prone to acne and are using rich multilayer routines
- Stinging or watering if the ingredient accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any persistent discomfort or reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone gets a low score of 1 because its large silicone backbone and water-friendly PEG/PPG arms sit mostly on the skin surface instead of sinking into pores. It forms a feather-light, breathable film that is less likely to trap oil or dead cells compared with heavier straight silicones or plant oils.
Most people prone to acne or breakouts can usually use products containing this ingredient without issues, though overall formula richness and personal skin response still matter.
Worth noting: the finished product’s full blend, especially occlusive waxes or heavy oils used alongside it, influences real-world clogging potential far more than this single ingredient.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-20/23 Dimethicone acts as an emulsion stabiliser, skin and hair conditioner and helper in gentle cleansing. Its hybrid structure lets the silicone part give slip and protective film while the PEG/PPG side mixes with water, holding lotions together and aiding rinse-off.
Formulators reach for it in lightweight moisturisers, sunscreens, serums and leave-ins because it delivers silky feel without greasy weight, so its popularity is steady across both skin and hair care lines.
Current data places it in the low-risk category for irritation, sensitisation and environmental persistence when used at typical cosmetic levels. As with any new product, patch testing on a small area for a few days is the smartest way to ensure personal compatibility.