What Is Perfluorononylethyl Peg-8 Phenylisopropyl Dimethcone?
Perfluorononylethyl Peg-8 Phenylisopropyl Dimethcone is a lab made ingredient that blends three well known cosmetic workhorses: a perfluorinated chain that repels water, a short polyethylene glycol (PEG-8) that draws in a bit of moisture and a silicone backbone that spreads smoothly over skin. Together they form a light, silky fluid that sits on the surface, locking in hydration while leaving a dry-touch finish.
This hybrid material was first explored in the early 2000s when formulators wanted the slip of silicones but with better water and wear resistance. By attaching a fluorinated tail to dimethicone chemists discovered they could raise staying power without a heavy or greasy feel. The PEG portion helps the ingredient mix evenly into both water based and oil based formulas.
Manufacturing starts with standard cosmetic grade dimethicone. The silicone is reacted with phenylisopropyl groups for extra slip, then grafted to a short PEG chain. Finally a perfluorononylethyl group is added through controlled fluorination. The finished material is purified, tested for low impurities and supplied as a clear fluid or waxy liquid depending on grade.
You will spot Perfluorononylethyl Peg-8 Phenylisopropyl Dimethcone in products that need long wearing comfort such as primers, foundations, tinted moisturizers, setting sprays, anti-aging creams, sheet masks and water resistant sunscreens. It is also used in leave-on hair serums to boost shine and smoothness.
Perfluorononylethyl Peg-8 Phenylisopropyl Dimethcone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ingredient for two main reasons
- Skin conditioning: Forms a breathable film that prevents quick moisture loss so skin feels soft and supple for hours
- Emollient: Fills in tiny gaps on the skin surface giving an immediate smooth, silky touch and helping makeup glide on evenly
Who Can Use Perfluorononylethyl Peg-8 Phenylisopropyl Dimethcone
Its light silky film suits most skin types including dry, normal and combination. Oily skin generally tolerates it because it leaves a dry touch rather than a greasy layer though very acne prone users might prefer lighter formulations in case the film traps excess sebum. Sensitive skin usually does well since the molecule is chemically inert yet anyone with a known silicone sensitivity should proceed with caution.
The ingredient is made entirely by synthetic processes and contains no animal derived substances so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No research flags special concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is applied topically. It is considered non irritating and too large to penetrate deeply however this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should run any skincare product past their doctor just to be safe.
Perfluorononylethyl Peg-8 Phenylisopropyl Dimethcone does not cause photosensitivity. In fact the thin water resistant film can even help keep UV filters in place when used in sunscreens. There are no known interactions with common skincare actives like retinoids or acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions can vary from person to person. The following outlines potential side effects only and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is included at normal cosmetic levels
- Mild skin irritation or redness in individuals sensitive to silicones or fluorinated materials
- Transient clogged pores or breakouts in very acne prone skin if heavy layers are applied
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of true allergy
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (very low)
The molecule is large, sits mostly on the surface and has a dry silky finish so it is far less likely to block pores than heavier oils or waxes. The fluorinated segment repels excess sebum while the silicone part spreads thinly without forming a thick greasy seal. For these reasons the ingredient earns a score of 1 rather than 0, acknowledging that any film former can still cause issues for a small number of highly reactive skins.
Most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing Perfluorononylethyl Peg-8 Phenylisopropyl Dimethcone without problems, provided the rest of the formula is also low in pore-clogging materials.
Extra context: the rating refers to the pure ingredient at typical cosmetic levels. A final product’s overall comedogenic potential depends on the full ingredient list, how heavily it is applied and how thoroughly it is removed.
Summary
Perfluorononylethyl Peg-8 Phenylisopropyl Dimethcone is a lab crafted hybrid that conditions skin and acts as a light emollient. Its silicone backbone glides on smoothly, the PEG segment helps it mingle with both water and oil phases and the fluorinated tail boosts water resistance. Together these features create a breathable film that locks in moisture, leaves a soft powdery touch and helps makeup last longer.
The ingredient is not a household name but it has gained quiet popularity among formulators of long wear foundations, primers and water resistant sunscreens because it delivers staying power without heaviness. Safety reviews classify it as non irritating, non sensitising and non mutagenic at the levels used in cosmetics. While reactions are rare, it is smart to patch test any new product to see how your own skin responds.