PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
- Role
- A silicone emulsifier that helps combine the water and silicone parts of a formula.
- Catalog formulas
- 5
- Type
- Texture
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
Dimethicone with polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol chains attached (an average of 18 units each of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide). INCI function: emulsifying surfactant.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
It is found in roll-ons, creams and gels where a water base has to be combined stably with silicones. It does not reduce sweating.
The CIR summary table (2014) lists PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone as safe: the 1982 conclusion on dimethicone copolyols was confirmed, and a final report on this group of silicones was issued in December 2014.
It is generally used as a supporting texture ingredient; an individual reaction to the finished product is possible.
Not the same as Dimethicone: ordinary dimethicone has no polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol chains, and CosIng does not list emulsifying among its functions. Nor should it be confused with PEG-12 Dimethicone, which carries only polyethylene glycol chains.
Products containing PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone Supports: function, substance identity
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone Supports: substance description
- CIR: Quick Reference Table (summary of conclusions, 2014) Supports: safety conclusion
- EU CosIng: Dimethicone Supports: INCI functions