PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone is a silicone modified with polyethylene and polypropylene glycol chains, which lets it act as a co-emulsifier that holds water droplets inside a silicone base, useful for long-wearing liquid foundations and other water-in-silicone formulas. CIR's expert panel reviewed dimethicone copolyols as a group and concluded this ingredient is safe as used up to 10%.
PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone shows up on 'ingredients to avoid' lists over possible 1,4-dioxane contamination. 1,4-dioxane isn't an ingredient in the formula, it's a byproduct that can form during the ethoxylation step used to manufacture PEG-based materials generally. Manufacturers vacuum-strip it out before the ingredient ships, and FDA monitors finished cosmetics for residual levels. CIR's expert panel reviewed the finished ingredient itself and concluded it's safe as used at concentrations up to 10%.
Products with PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
- 100AlmayClear Complexion Foundation
- 100Urban Decay24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eye Pencil (Perversion)
- 96Estée LauderDouble Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
- 95RevlonColorStay Flex Wear Full Cover Concealer
- 95MaybellineVolum' Express The Colossal Washable Mascara
- 94MACStudio Fix Fluid
- 87CoverGirlClean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation
- 82e.l.f.Flawless Finish Foundation
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.