PEG-8 Dimethicone
A water-soluble silicone emulsifier. It softens skin and helps blend oil with water. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
PEG-8 Dimethicone is a silicone modified with polyethylene glycol chains that make it water-soluble. It softens skin, improves the feel of formulas, and helps join oil and water, working as both an emulsifier and a conditioner. This is a functional component, not a skincare active. Its job is technical and sensory: it stabilizes the mix, gives a light finish, and improves spreadability. It has no corrective effect on wrinkles or spots. It acts in the formula and at the skin surface, with no meaningful systemic absorption, so it is compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is good: low irritation potential and low allergy risk, valid for sensitive skin. Its water-soluble nature makes it easier to rinse off and reduces any heavy feel on skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is PEG-8 Dimethicone safe during pregnancy?
PEG-8 Dimethicone is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is PEG-8 Dimethicone for?
PEG-8 Dimethicone suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is PEG-8 Dimethicone and what does it do in cosmetics?
A water-soluble silicone emulsifier.
What's the INCI name for PEG-8 Dimethicone?
The INCI name is PEG-8 Dimethicone.
See PEG-8 Dimethicone in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
PEG-8 Laurate, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate, PEG/PPG-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate, Sodium Acrylic Acid/MA Copolymer, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, CI 15510 (Orange 4), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
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