Ingredient dictionary

PEG-10 Dimethicone

A silicone with small water-loving chains attached. It acts as an emulsifier, helping water and oil-like ingredients blend into one smooth mix. It is on the label of 15 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: pEG-10 Dimethicone is flagged in our silicones family, which covers smoothing film-formers ending in -cone or -siloxane; silicones are safe and give slip and shine, but some people avoid them for curly-hair routines or to cut build-up.

Silicones. Silicones are safe and give slip and shine. Some people avoid them for curly-hair routines or to cut build-up.

What PEG-10 Dimethicone does

Helps water and oils blend together
Gives a smooth, silky skin feel
Helps keep formulas stable

PEG-10 Dimethicone starts with dimethicone, a silicone polymer built on a backbone of silicon and oxygen atoms. Chemists attach chains of polyethylene glycol, a water-loving material, to that backbone. The result is a silicone that can grab onto both water and oil-like ingredients.

Formulators use it mainly as an emulsifier. That means it helps water and oil-type ingredients stay mixed in a creamy lotion or cream, so the texture stays smooth and the product stays stable on the shelf. It also gives a light, smooth, slightly slippery feel that is not greasy. You will often find it in moisturizers, concealers and sunscreens, where a smooth, even spread matters.

Good for

People who like a light, smooth feel in moisturizers, concealers and sunscreens, since it helps those formulas spread evenly.

Be careful if

PEG-10 Dimethicone is flagged in our silicones family, which covers smoothing film-formers ending in -cone or -siloxane; silicones are safe and give slip and shine, but some people avoid them for curly-hair routines or to cut build-up.

Frequently asked questions

Is PEG-10 Dimethicone a silicone?

Yes. It is a silicone, which means it is built on the same silicon-oxygen backbone as dimethicone. The PEG chains added to it make it better at mixing water and oil-type ingredients.

Why do some people avoid silicones like this one?

Some people skip silicones for personal reasons. Curly-hair routines often avoid them because they can leave a coating that builds up over time. Others simply like formulas without a silky film. Skipping this ingredient is a matter of preference, not a safety need.