PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE
Is PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE safe for seborrheic dermatitis?
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone keeps its lower-concern editorial label for seborrheic dermatitis. It helps oil, water and silicone phases mix smoothly and can make a formula spread with less drag, but it does not treat seb derm.
This is a polyether-modified silicone rather than a free fatty acid or plant oil, so the usual long-chain lipid screen does not map directly to it. No exact human seb derm or Malassezia study was found. Comfort still depends on the complete formula, especially the cleansing strength, fragrance and other emollients around it.
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What is it?
A quick identity check, separate from the seb derm guidance above.
01 / 05- Material type
- Polyether-modified dimethicone
- Ingredient family
- Silicone surfactant
- Cosmetic function
- Surfactant - Emulsifying
What is PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE used for in skincare?
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone is dimethicone modified with water-friendly polyethylene-glycol and polypropylene-glycol chains. That structure lets it act as an emulsifying surfactant and silicone disperser while adding slip. It is often paired with other silicones, UV filters, pigments, oils and humectants in sunscreens, makeup, serums and hair products.