PEG-12 Dimethicone | Water-Dispersible Silicone for Smooth, Lightweight Formulas
If you've ever wanted that silky, weightless skin feel without a greasy finish — PEG-12 Dimethicone is the ingredient that makes it happen. It's a water-friendly silicone that blends easily into serums, gels, sprays, and light creams, giving your formula a smooth, non-tacky glide that customers love.
Who it's for: Beginner and advanced formulators working on skin care, hair care, or hybrid products who want silicone performance without the formulation headaches of traditional silicones.
Note: This is a cosmetic raw ingredient intended for formulation use only — not for direct skin application.
Formulation Details
| Property |
Detail |
| INCI Name |
PEG-12 Dimethicone |
| CAS Number |
68937-54-2 |
| Appearance |
Clear to slightly hazy viscous liquid |
| Solubility |
Water-dispersible |
| Usage Rate |
0.5% – 5.0% |
| pH Compatibility |
4.0 – 8.0 |
| Incorporation Phase |
Cool-down or water phase (moderate shear) |
| Primary Functions |
Emollient, silicone emulsifier, conditioning agent |
| Preservative Compatibility |
Compatible with most broad-spectrum preservatives |
Why Formulators Choose PEG-12 Dimethicone
-
Water-dispersible silicone — unlike standard dimethicone, it integrates into aqueous and emulsion systems without heavy emulsifier loads
-
Silky, non-greasy after-feel — reduces tackiness from humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid
-
Improves spreadability — enhances glide and skin feel in serums, gels, and light lotions
-
Hair care powerhouse — improves wet and dry combing, adds shine, and controls frizz without buildup
-
Formulation flexibility — works in sprays, gel creams, primers, BB creams, and leave-in conditioners
How to Incorporate
- Add PEG-12 Dimethicone during the cool-down phase (below 40°C) or directly into the water phase with moderate shear
- Use at 0.5–2% for light skin feel enhancement; increase to 3–5% for stronger conditioning or hair care applications
- Mix thoroughly until fully dispersed — the formula may appear slightly hazy, which is normal
- Check pH after incorporation and adjust to stay within the 4.0–8.0 range
- Pair with a broad-spectrum preservative to protect your finished formula
Recommended Pairings
Suggested Formula: Lightweight Brightening Serum
Target pH: 5.5–6.5 | Shelf life: 12 months | Viscosity: low (serum)
Storage & Safety
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep container tightly sealed when not in use
- For external/formulation use only — not for ingestion
- Conduct a patch test on finished formulas before use