Ingredient review

Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG-60 Copolymer

INCI: BIS-BUTYLOXYAMODIMETHICONE/PEG-60 COPOLYMER

A gentle silicone polymer that smooths hair and skin without the heavy feel of traditional silicones.

beautyskincarehaircare

In plain English

This is a special type of silicone that has been modified to be water-friendly. Unlike older silicones that can build up and make hair feel greasy, this one is designed to rinse out more easily while still providing slip, shine, and a silky feel. It works by forming a thin, flexible film on hair or skin, which helps reduce frizz and adds a smooth texture.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good
4.0/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source
synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG-60 Copolymer is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG-60 Copolymer.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A synthetic silicone copolymer that combines a conditioning silicone backbone with water-loving PEG (polyethylene glycol) chains. This hybrid structure makes it more water-dispersible than traditional amodimethicone.

How it works

When applied, the silicone part of the molecule adheres to hair or skin, creating a smooth, protective layer. The PEG chains help the ingredient rinse off more easily with water, reducing the risk of buildup. This film also helps lock in moisture and reduce friction, making hair easier to comb and skin feel softer.

Pros

Lightweight conditioning

Provides the slip and shine of silicones but rinses out more easily, making it ideal for fine or normal hair that doesn't need heavy oils.

Frizz control without grease

Forms a flexible film that smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and static even in humid conditions, without leaving a greasy residue.

Cons and cautions

Not fully silicone-free

If you are avoiding all silicones for environmental or personal reasons, this ingredient still contains a silicone backbone, though it is more biodegradable than some older silicones.

Potential for buildup with overuse

While it rinses better than traditional amodimethicone, using multiple silicone-based products in a row can still lead to some accumulation, especially on low-porosity hair.

Best for

  • People with dry, frizzy, or damaged hair looking for smoothness
  • Those who want silicone benefits but dislike heavy buildup

Use caution if

  • Anyone strictly avoiding all silicones in their routine

Usage tips

Use in rinse-off products like conditioners for best results; leave-on products can be used sparingly.
Pair with a clarifying shampoo once a week if you use multiple silicone-based products to prevent buildup.

Safety summary

Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG-60 Copolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin and hair types. As with all silicones, some individuals may prefer to avoid it for personal or environmental reasons.

Research notes

Safety assessments for modified silicones like this one rely on general silicone safety data and PEG safety profiles. No specific clinical studies on this exact copolymer are widely published, but the ingredient class is well-established in cosmetics with a strong safety record.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.5% to 5%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and other major markets. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
Common uses
Shampoos, Conditioners, Hair serums, Leave-in treatments, Styling products
Environmental note
The PEG modification makes this silicone more water-dispersible and potentially less persistent in the environment than non-PEGylated silicones, though full biodegradability data is limited.

Good to know

  • This ingredient is often listed near the middle or end of ingredient lists because it is effective at low concentrations.
  • It is considered more environmentally friendly than some older silicones due to its PEG modification, which improves biodegradability.

Common questions

What is Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG-60 Copolymer in beauty products?

This is a special type of silicone that has been modified to be water-friendly. Unlike older silicones that can build up and make hair feel greasy, this one is designed to rinse out more easily while still providing slip, shine, and a silky feel. It works by forming a thin, flexible film on hair or skin, which helps reduce frizz and adds a smooth texture.

What does Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG-60 Copolymer do in a beauty product?

When applied, the silicone part of the molecule adheres to hair or skin, creating a smooth, protective layer. The PEG chains help the ingredient rinse off more easily with water, reducing the risk of buildup. This film also helps lock in moisture and reduce friction, making hair easier to comb and skin feel softer.

Is Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG-60 Copolymer safe for most people?

Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG-60 Copolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin and hair types. As with all silicones, some individuals may prefer to avoid it for personal or environmental reasons.

Who should be careful with Bis-Butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG-60 Copolymer?

Anyone strictly avoiding all silicones in their routine

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety of SiliconesOpenPersonal Care Products Council - Silicone OverviewOpenPubChem - PEG-60Open

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.