PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone Good Cleansing Agent No known benefits PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone at a glance Type of silicone that enhances formulary texture and spreadability Creates a breathable barrier that prevents water loss (ideal for improving dehydrated skin) Found in a variety of beauty products including makeup, sunscreen, and hair care Deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone description PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone is a type of silicone that plays a variety of roles in cosmetic products, including functioning as a texture enhancer and cleansing (emulsifying) agent. Of note, PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone is described as enhancing the spreadability of formulations. It is also known to create a breathable barrier that prevents water loss (helpful for dry/dehydrated) skin. PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone can be found in a variety of beauty products including makeup, sunscreen, and hair care. The 2015 Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment of PEG/PPG-18/18 dimethicone concluded that this ingredient is safe in its reported cosmetic uses (out of 461 products studied 10% was the maximum concentration in use at the time). In case you’re wondering, PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol.