What Is Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone?
Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone is a silicone based ingredient created by linking dimethicone, a smooth rubbery polymer of silica and oxygen, with two kinds of water loving chains called polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). The numbers 22 and 23 show roughly how many units of each chain are attached. This special mix lets oil friendly dimethicone and water friendly PEG / PPG work together so the final molecule can sit comfortably in both oil and water phases.
Modern silicones started to appear in skin care during the 1950s when chemists searched for light non greasy moisturizers. Over time they learned to tweak dimethicone with PEG and PPG blocks to improve its ability to blend with water. Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone was developed in the 1990s as part of that wave to help make more stable creams and lotions.
The ingredient is produced in a closed vessel where dimethicone reacts with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide gases. Careful control of heat and pressure lets the chemist add the planned number of units from each gas. After purification the result is a soft clear fluid that pours easily and has little odor.
Thanks to its balanced oil water nature Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone appears in many personal care items. It shows up in face and body moisturizers, sun care formulations, light weight serums, sheet masks and wash off cleansers. Hair products like leave in conditioners and frizz control creams also use it to give a silky feel without heaviness.
Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized mainly for one core job that improves the texture and stability of beauty products.
As an emulsifying agent Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone helps oil and water mix into a smooth even blend. This keeps creams from separating during storage and makes them spread easily on the skin. A stable emulsion means active ingredients are delivered more evenly so the product feels consistent every time you use it.
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone
Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone is generally gentle enough for most skin types. Its light silky texture suits dry, oily or combination skin because it forms a breathable film that locks in moisture without feeling greasy. People with very sensitive or silicone reactive skin should proceed with caution since any silicone derivative can occasionally trigger discomfort in that group.
The ingredient is made synthetically and contains no animal derived materials so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Cruelty free status depends on the finished brand’s animal testing policies so check labels if that is important to you.
No published data link Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone to problems during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It stays mostly on the skin surface and is not known to penetrate deeply. This is not medical advice; pregnant or nursing individuals should review any skincare routine with a qualified doctor for personal guidance.
Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be safely paired with daytime products, including sunscreens. It also plays well with common actives like retinol or vitamin C because it is chemically stable and inert.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Personal responses to topical Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone can differ. The following points list potential side effects yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Contact dermatitis in people sensitive to silicones or PEG compounds
- Temporary clogged pores or breakouts in very acne prone skin
- Eye irritation if product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5. Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone forms a light breathable film that rinses off easily thanks to its water loving PEG / PPG parts. This reduces the chance of it trapping oil or dead cells inside pores. Pure dimethicone already scores low for pore clogging and adding the PEG / PPG blocks makes it even less likely to build up on the skin. In most formulas it is used at a small percentage which further keeps the risk down.
Suitable for acne-prone skin: generally yes, though very reactive or severely clogged skin lines might still prefer to avoid silicones altogether.
The overall comedogenic impact also depends on the full product blend: heavy butters or waxes paired with this emulsifier can still trigger breakouts even if the emulsifier itself is low risk.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-22/23 Dimethicone is an emulsifier that stabilizes oil-in-water mixes so creams stay smooth from the first pump to the last. Its split personality—silicone for slip plus PEG / PPG for water friendliness—lets it spread silkily and leave a soft touch without an oily feel.
It enjoys moderate popularity. You will spot it in many mainstream lotions and hair serums yet it is not as famous as plain dimethicone or high profile actives because its job is behind the scenes texture work rather than headline anti-aging claims.
Safety data and decades of use point to a low irritation risk and minimal pore clogging potential. Still, every skin is unique so try a small patch first whenever testing a new product that contains this ingredient to make sure it plays nicely with your skin.