Is PEG-12 Dimethicone safe in cosmetics?
PEG-12 Dimethicone has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Good
Cosmetic Ingredient
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Also known as: Siloxanes and Silicones, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, ethoxylated, Siloxanes, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, oxirane-grafted, Siloxanes, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, polymers with ethylene oxide, Silwet FZ 2171, Silwet L 7608 (+4 more)
INCI: PEG-12 DIMETHICONE
PEG-12 Dimethicone (CAS 68937-54-2) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Emulsifier, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, foam builder. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 68937-54-2 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Emulsifier, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, foam builder
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR safe as used. 538 VCRP uses — highest among alkoxy polysiloxanes.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for PEG-12 Dimethicone.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Additional Ingredient Properties
8 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "1", "irritancy_rating": "0", "skin_type_suitability": "all,combination,normal", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "Water-soluble silicone"}
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "partial", "biodegradation_days": "180-365", "bioaccumulative": "yes", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "low", "coral_reef_safe": "unknown", "marine_toxicity": "moderate toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "persistent", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_environmental": "yes"…
emulsifier
{"cas_number": "9082-00-2", "ingredient_class": "O/W_emulsifier,silicone_emulsifier", "chemical_type": "silicone_polyether", "HLB_value": "6.0", "HLB_required_for_oil_phase": "4-8", "emulsion_type_primary": "O/W", "droplet_size_typical_um": "1-3", "surface_tension_reduction_mN_m": "30", "interfacial_tension_reduction": "34", "foam_formation": "low", "liquid_crystal_formation": "low", "lamellar_pha…
emulsion_hlb
{"hlb_value": "14.0", "hlb_required_as_emulsifier": "yes", "emulsifier_type": "o_w", "critical_packing_parameter": "0.23-0.35", "phase_inversion_temperature_c": "55-65", "emulsion_stabilization_mechanism": "steric_stabilization", "co_emulsifier_pairs": "cetyl_dimethicone", "optimal_oil_phase_pct": "10-30", "optimal_water_phase_pct": "70-90", "electrolyte_tolerance": "moderate", "pH_emulsion_stabil…
hair_care
{"hair_function": "conditioning", "hair_type_suitability": "all", "curl_pattern_suitability": "all", "porosity_suitability": "all", "protein_sensitivity": "neutral", "moisture_protein_balance": "yes", "cg_method_approved": "water-soluble", "silicone_type": "not-a-sulfate", "sulfate_type": "no", "drying_alcohol": "no", "fatty_alcohol": "yes", "heat_protectant": "yes", "color_safe": "neutral", "kera…
polymer
{"ingredient_class": "emulsion_stabilizer/conditioning", "polymer_type": "silicone_based", "chemical_backbone": "other", "molecular_weight_Da_range": "1500-8000", "ionic_character": "nonionic", "HLB_value": "12-15", "pH_viscosity_sensitivity": "moderate", "salt_tolerance": "moderate", "electrolyte_effect_on_viscosity": "moderate", "temperature_viscosity_sensitivity": "moderate", "film_transparency…
silicone
{"cas_number": "68937-54-2", "silicone_class": "dimethicone", "molecular_weight_Da": "2700.0", "viscosity_cSt": "180", "volatility": "non_volatile", "evaporation_rate_relative_to_D5": "0.015", "refractive_index": "1.4075", "specific_gravity": "1.06", "flash_point_C": "120.0", "surface_tension_mN_m": "24.8", "spreading_coefficient": "2.7", "film_forming_ability": "excellent", "skin_feel": "velvety"…
solubility_hlb
{"water_soluble": "partial", "oil_soluble": "partial", "hlb_value": "11.0", "soluble_in": "water, oils, silicones", "insoluble_in": "ethanol", "log_p": "1.3", "appearance": "clear liquid", "source": "Dow"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Emulsifier
Flow promoter
Hardener
Lubricating agent
Wetting agent (non-aqueous)
Regulatory List Membership (1)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for PEG-12 Dimethicone.
Regulatory Flags
Environmental
eu_children_restricted
Known Synonyms
Siloxanes and Silicones, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, ethoxylated
Siloxanes, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, oxirane-grafted
Siloxanes, di-Me, 3-hydroxypropyl Me, polymers with ethylene oxide
Silwet FZ 2171
Silwet L 7608
Lambent MFF 159-100
Silsurf D 212CG
Transoft Hydro TF 405B
Dow Corning ES 5612 Formulation Aid
Chemical Function
Lubricating agent
Emulsifier
Flow promoter
Wetting agent (non-aqueous)
Hardener
Regulatory Lists
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
active_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PEG-12 Dimethicone allowed in the EU?
PEG-12 Dimethicone EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does PEG-12 Dimethicone do in cosmetics?
PEG-12 Dimethicone functions as: Emulsifier, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, foam builder. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 68937-54-2.
Compliance Tools
Check PEG-12 Dimethicone compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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