What Is Peg/Ppg-27/9 Butyl Ether Dimethicone?
Peg/Ppg-27/9 Butyl Ether Dimethicone is a man-made silicone that has been linked with small units of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) plus a butyl ether group. The silicone part, called dimethicone, comes from silica that has been refined and turned into siloxane chains. Chemists attach the PEG and PPG pieces to make the molecule partly water loving, which helps it blend into lotions and creams. The ingredient first gained notice in the 1990s when brands looked for silicones that feel light and spread easily without leaving a heavy film. It is made in a controlled plant setting where dimethicone is reacted with the PEG/PPG butyl ether using a catalyst and gentle heat, then cleaned and tested for purity.
Because it can mix oil and water, add slip and leave hair and skin soft, Peg/Ppg-27/9 Butyl Ether Dimethicone shows up in many product types. You might find it in leave-in conditioners, rinse-off shampoos, face and body moisturizers, anti aging creams, makeup primers, liquid foundations, sunscreens, sheet masks and even some styling serums.
Peg/Ppg-27/9 Butyl Ether Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty for both skin and hair while also helping chemists build stable formulas.
- Hair Conditioning: Forms a thin silky coating that smooths the cuticle, cuts down on frizz and makes hair easier to comb wet or dry
- Skin Conditioning: Leaves a soft non-greasy feel on the skin surface, adds a subtle glow and helps lock in moisture without clogging pores
- Emulsifying: Acts as a bridge between water and oil so creams stay blended, feel lighter and resist separating while sitting on your shelf
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-27/9 Butyl Ether Dimethicone
Most skin types tolerate this silicone well because it leaves a light breathable film that rarely blocks pores. Dry and normal skin enjoy the silky moisture seal while oily or combination skin usually like the grease-free slip it provides. Very acne-prone individuals who react poorly to any silicone might prefer to avoid it but that is uncommon. Sensitive skin generally finds it non-irritating since it is inert and fragrance free.
The ingredient is fully synthetic with no animal-derived components so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no known issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetics. Still this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should let a qualified doctor review the products they plan to use.
Peg/Ppg-27/9 Butyl Ether Dimethicone does not increase photosensitivity so everyday sunscreen habits remain unchanged. It is also color safe for chemically treated hair and compatible with most other common skincare actives.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg/Ppg-27/9 Butyl Ether Dimethicone differ from one person to the next. The points below describe potential side effects that could occur even though they are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild buildup on hair strands which can lead to a weighed-down feel if products are not rinsed or cleansed properly
- Temporary greasy or slick sensation on very oily skin especially when layered with multiple silicone-rich products
- Rare clogging of pores in individuals extremely sensitive to silicones
- Contact irritation such as slight redness or itching in persons with an existing allergy to silicones or PEG compounds
- Eye stinging if a product containing the ingredient inadvertently gets into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg/Ppg-27/9 Butyl Ether Dimethicone earns a low score because its silicone backbone creates a large, inert molecule that tends to sit on top of the skin rather than sinking into pores. The attached PEG and PPG groups make it even more water friendly, which helps prevent the kind of heavy, sticky film that can trap oil and debris. A small number of users report clogged pores when layering many silicone-rich products, so the rating is not zero.
In most cases it is suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind overall formula, cleansing habits and how many other occlusive ingredients you use will also affect whether buildup occurs.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-27/9 Butyl Ether Dimethicone softens skin, smooths hair and keeps oil-and-water mixes from separating. It does this by forming a light breathable film that glides over the surface, filling in rough spots and reducing friction while its PEG/PPG side chains pull just enough water to help emulsify lotions and creams.
Although it is not a household name like hyaluronic acid, it shows up in plenty of modern leave-in conditioners, moisturizers and makeup primers because chemists value its silky feel and formula-stabilizing power.
Current research finds it safe for topical use with very low irritation or clogging risk. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to perform a quick patch test when trying a product that contains it, just to be sure your skin agrees.