What Is Peg/Ppg-23/23 Butyl Ether Dimethicone?
Peg/Ppg-23/23 Butyl Ether Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient created by linking dimethicone, a silky smooth polymer, with an average of 23 units of ethylene oxide and 23 units of propylene oxide, then capping the chain with a butyl ether group. The resulting molecule mixes the slip and shine of classic silicones with the water-friendly traits of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol segments, giving formulators the best of both worlds. It is synthesized in a controlled reaction where dimethicone is first modified with ethylene and propylene oxide under heat and pressure, followed by the addition of a small butyl group that improves spreadability. This hybrid approach emerged in the late 1990s when brands wanted silicones that could blend into water-based creams without leaving a heavy film, leading to its quick adoption in lightweight moisturizers, cleansing balms, leave-in hair treatments, sheet masks, priming lotions, anti-aging serums and color cosmetics that need a soft finish yet rinse off easily.
Peg/Ppg-23/23 Butyl Ether Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi-tasker earns its place on labels because it tackles several jobs at once, improving both product feel and performance.
- Hair Conditioning: Coats strands with a light layer that smooths the cuticle, adds gloss and helps reduce static without weighing hair down
- Humectant: Attracts and binds a touch of moisture from the air, keeping skin or hair from feeling parched during wear
- Skin Conditioning: Leaves skin feeling soft and velvety, filling in tiny surface gaps so texture looks more even
- Cleansing: Helps lift away dirt and makeup when rinsed, allowing oil-based debris to mix with water for an easy wash-off
- Emulsifying: Bridges the gap between water and oil phases, stabilizing creams and lotions so they stay smooth and uniform over time
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-23/23 Butyl Ether Dimethicone
This ingredient is generally considered friendly for all skin types, including oily, dry, combination and sensitive, thanks to its lightweight feel and low likelihood of clogging pores. Extremely acne prone skin may still prefer to steer clear of most silicones if past breakouts have been linked to them, but Peg/Ppg-23/23 Butyl Ether Dimethicone has a lower tendency to trap oil compared with heavier versions.
It is a synthetic compound with no animal derived components so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
No data suggest it poses specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show any skincare product to a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
The ingredient is not known to increase photosensitivity so it can be worn during the day without upping sunburn risk, although daily sunscreen is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Peg/Ppg-23/23 Butyl Ether Dimethicone vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues that could occur, yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation
- Temporary redness for those with very reactive skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis
- Build-up on hair leading to dullness if not cleansed periodically
If any negative reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg/Ppg-23/23 Butyl Ether Dimethicone scores a low 1 because its bulky silicone backbone is modified with PEG and PPG chains that make it more water compatible. This helps it sit on the surface without tightly sealing pores and lets it rinse away with regular cleansing. The molecule is also too large to penetrate deeply into follicles, further reducing clogging risk.
Most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing this ingredient without trouble, especially in lightweight formulas.
As with any film-forming agent, heavy layering with other occlusives may raise the chance of congestion, so balanced routines are best.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-23/23 Butyl Ether Dimethicone is a multitasking silicone derivative that conditions hair, softens skin, pulls in a whisper of moisture, helps cleanse by lifting grime, and stabilizes water-and-oil mixtures. It does all this thanks to its hybrid structure: the dimethicone portion delivers slip and smoothness while the PEG/PPG segments attract a bit of water and improve rinsability.
You will spot it in lightweight moisturizers, daily shampoos, leave-in sprays, cleansing balms and makeup primers, though it is not as ubiquitous as classic dimethicone because it costs more to produce. Brands focused on feather-light textures and easy wash off tend to favor it.
Current safety data show it is well tolerated with very low irritation and comedogenic potential. Still, skins differ, so doing a small patch test whenever you try a new product that contains this ingredient is a smart habit.