Ingredient review
Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone
INCI: BIS-PEG-10 DIMETHICONE
A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and spreadability without clogging pores.
In plain English
Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient that helps water and oil mix together in creams and lotions. It gives products a smooth, silky feel and helps them spread easily on the skin. Because it's a silicone, it can also form a light, breathable film that helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
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
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone is a modified silicone polymer. It has a dimethicone (silicone) backbone with PEG (polyethylene glycol) chains attached, which makes it water-friendly. This dual nature allows it to act as an emulsifier, stabilizing mixtures of oil and water in cosmetic formulas.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone sits at the boundary between water and oil droplets, reducing surface tension so they stay mixed. This creates a stable, uniform cream or lotion. On the skin, it leaves a thin, non-greasy silicone film that feels smooth and helps reduce water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL — the amount of moisture that evaporates from your skin).
Pros
Smooth texture
Creates a silky, spreadable feel that makes products glide on easily and leaves skin soft.
Low irritation risk
Rated very low on irritation and comedogenic scales, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Cons and cautions
Silicone concerns
Some users avoid silicones due to environmental persistence or personal preference, even though this one is generally considered safe.
May feel heavy on oily skin
In high concentrations, it can leave a slight film that some with very oily skin find too rich.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a smooth, silky-feeling moisturizer or foundation
- People with normal to dry skin who want a lightweight occlusive layer
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid silicones in their routine
- Very oily or acne-prone skin types may prefer non-silicone emulsifiers
Usage tips
Safety summary
Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory or scientific bodies.
Research notes
Research on this specific ingredient is limited, but it is a well-established emulsifier in the cosmetics industry. Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have found dimethicone and its derivatives to be safe as used.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics worldwide, including by the U.S. FDA and EU CosIng database, with no known restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Serums, Foundations, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- Silicones can persist in the environment; however, PEG-modified silicones like this one are more biodegradable than unmodified dimethicone.
Good to know
- Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone is often used in foundations and BB creams to improve blendability and wear.
- It is considered biodegradable under certain conditions, but silicones in general have raised environmental questions.
Common questions
What is Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone in beauty products?
Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient that helps water and oil mix together in creams and lotions. It gives products a smooth, silky feel and helps them spread easily on the skin. Because it's a silicone, it can also form a light, breathable film that helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
What does Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone sits at the boundary between water and oil droplets, reducing surface tension so they stay mixed. This creates a stable, uniform cream or lotion. On the skin, it leaves a thin, non-greasy silicone film that feels smooth and helps reduce water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL — the amount of moisture that evaporates from your skin).
Is Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone safe for most people?
Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory or scientific bodies.
Who should be careful with Bis-PEG-10 Dimethicone?
Those who strictly avoid silicones in their routine Very oily or acne-prone skin types may prefer non-silicone emulsifiers
Research sources
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.