Ingredient review
Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone
INCI: BIS-PEG-20 DIMETHICONE
A gentle silicone emulsifier that improves product texture and helps ingredients mix together without clogging pores.
In plain English
Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient that acts like a bridge between water and oil in a formula. It helps create smooth, spreadable creams and lotions that feel lightweight on the skin. Because it's a silicone, it can also leave a silky, non-greasy finish. It's considered very gentle and unlikely to cause breakouts or irritation for most people.
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
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Bis-PEG-20 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-20 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
A modified silicone molecule with PEG (polyethylene glycol) chains attached, designed to function as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic products.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil phases, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. It also helps spread ingredients evenly across the skin and can improve the feel of a product by leaving a smooth, non-tacky finish.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone has a very low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Improves product feel
It gives creams and foundations a silky, spreadable texture that glides on smoothly without feeling heavy or sticky.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
As a lab-made silicone derivative, it may not appeal to those seeking fully natural or biodegradable ingredients.
Can build up
In some formulations, silicones can leave a slight film on the skin that may require double cleansing to fully remove.
Best for
- People who prefer lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers
- Those with normal to combination skin looking for smooth makeup application
Use caution if
- Individuals strictly avoiding all silicones or PEG compounds
- Those with known sensitivity to PEG derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies. However, as with any ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with very sensitive skin.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has evaluated dimethicone and its derivatives, including PEG-modified versions, and found them safe for use in cosmetics. Studies indicate low skin penetration and minimal irritation.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the EU CosIng database and the US FDA. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Serums, Foundations, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- Silicones like dimethicone are not readily biodegradable, but Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone is modified with PEG chains that may improve its environmental profile compared to unmodified silicones.
Good to know
- Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone is often used in 'water-in-silicone' emulsions, which are common in long-wear makeup.
- It is considered safe by major cosmetic ingredient review panels.
Common questions
What is Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone in beauty products?
Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient that acts like a bridge between water and oil in a formula. It helps create smooth, spreadable creams and lotions that feel lightweight on the skin. Because it's a silicone, it can also leave a silky, non-greasy finish. It's considered very gentle and unlikely to cause breakouts or irritation for most people.
What does Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil phases, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. It also helps spread ingredients evenly across the skin and can improve the feel of a product by leaving a smooth, non-tacky finish.
Is Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone safe for most people?
Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies. However, as with any ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with very sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with Bis-PEG-20 Dimethicone?
Individuals strictly avoiding all silicones or PEG compounds Those with known sensitivity to PEG derivatives (rare)
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.