What Is Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone?
Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone is a lab-made silicone hybrid that blends a siloxane backbone with a short chain of polyethylene glycol and a perfluorinated tail. This structure gives it both oil-loving and water-loving parts, which helps it spread easily while forming a light, protective film on skin. The ingredient is created through controlled reactions that attach a perfluorononyl group and roughly ten units of ethylene oxide to a dimethicone core, followed by purification to remove unused reactants.
Interest in this kind of modified silicone grew in the early 2000s when formulators wanted long-wear textures that still felt weightless. Its unique surface-active nature quickly made it popular in cosmetics that need to glide on smoothly and resist water without feeling greasy.
Today you will most often see Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone in long-wear foundations, primers, tinted moisturizers, sunscreens, sheet masks, anti-aging serums and even some color cosmetics like blush sticks or eye shadows that promise all-day wear.
Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place on an ingredient list thanks to two main jobs:
- Skin conditioning: Creates a silky, soft-focus finish on skin, helping it feel smoother and look more even while adding a subtle protective layer that locks in moisture without clogging pores
- Emulsifying: Helps water and oil parts of a formula mix and stay stable, which keeps creams, lotions or liquid makeups from separating and makes them feel lighter and more uniform on application
Who Can Use Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone
This silicone works for most skin types. Dry skin enjoys the light film it leaves because it slows moisture loss. Normal, combination and oily skin usually tolerate it well since the finish feels weightless and non greasy. Sensitive skin can also find it gentle because the molecule is large and tends to stay on the surface rather than soaking in.
People with very clogged or acne-prone skin should watch how their skin responds. While the ingredient itself is not known to block pores, any layer that traps sweat or heavy creams underneath could add to congestion for those already prone to breakouts.
Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone is synthesized in a lab without animal-derived material so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No studies point to problems for pregnant or breastfeeding users when the ingredient is applied to intact skin. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full product lineup to their doctor to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and has no known interactions with common actives like retinol or acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, though most users will not experience them when the product is made and used as directed.
- Mild redness or itching in very sensitive skin
- Temporary stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Worsening of clogged pores in individuals already prone to heavy congestion
- Allergic contact dermatitis in the rare event of a personal silicone allergy
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone sits mostly on the surface, has a large molecular size, and creates a breathable film that water and sebum can still pass through. These traits keep it from blocking pores for the vast majority of users, which is why it earns a low score of 1 rather than a true zero. A small bump above non-comedogenic reflects the fact that any film-forming ingredient can in theory trap existing debris in someone highly prone to congestion.
Generally considered fine for acne-prone skin, though individuals with very stubborn blackheads or cystic breakouts may want to monitor their skin when first adding it to a routine.
Formulation matters: when this silicone is paired with heavy oils or waxes the finished product’s pore-clogging potential can climb, so the full ingredient list always matters more than any single component.
Summary
Perfluorononylethyl Carboxydecyl Peg-10 Dimethicone conditions skin by laying down a silky, breathable layer that softens texture and helps moisture stay put. Its amphiphilic structure also works as an emulsifier, letting water and oil blend smoothly so creams, foundations and sunscreens feel light and uniform.
While not as famous as classic dimethicone this modified silicone has carved out a niche in long-wear and waterproof formulas where slip, durability and a weightless feel are all musts. Brands use it to claim 12-hour wear and transfer resistance without a heavy or greasy finish.
Safety data show low irritation risk, negligible absorption and no links to hormone disruption so topical use is considered very safe. As with any new product a short patch test on clean skin is the easiest way to rule out personal sensitivity before full-face application.