Ingredient review
Dimethicone PEG-8 Borageate
INCI: DIMETHICONE PEG-8 BORAGEATE
A gentle silicone emollient that adds a silky feel and light hydration, generally safe for most skin types.
In plain English
This ingredient is a hybrid of silicone and borage oil. It spreads easily on the skin, leaving a smooth, non-greasy finish. The borage oil part provides a small amount of fatty acids that can help support the skin's moisture barrier, while the silicone gives that velvety, soft texture. It's often used in products to improve feel and reduce water loss without feeling heavy.
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
Dimethicone PEG-8 Borageate 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 Dimethicone PEG-8 Borageate.
- 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 semi-synthetic compound where a silicone chain (dimethicone) is modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and borage oil fatty acids. Borage oil is naturally rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid known for its skin-soothing properties.
How it works
It forms a thin, breathable film on the skin's surface that helps lock in moisture and smooth out rough texture. The silicone component reduces friction, making the skin feel silky, while the borage-derived portion delivers fatty acids that can help maintain the skin's natural barrier.
Pros
Silky texture
Leaves skin feeling smooth and velvety without a heavy or sticky residue, making it ideal for primers and daytime moisturizers.
Light moisture support
The borage oil component provides fatty acids that can help reinforce the skin's moisture barrier, offering a gentle hydration boost.
Cons and cautions
PEG concerns
PEG compounds can sometimes contain trace impurities like ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, though cosmetic-grade versions are purified and regulated.
Silicone avoidance
Some people prefer to avoid silicones for environmental or personal reasons, and this ingredient is silicone-based.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin who want a smooth, silky finish
- Those looking for a lightweight moisturizer or primer that doesn't feel greasy
Use caution if
- Individuals who strictly avoid silicones or PEG compounds in their skincare
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for topical use at typical concentrations. The PEG component is cosmetic-grade and purified. Borage oil is well-tolerated. Rare reports of mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Research notes
Limited direct studies on this specific hybrid ingredient, but both dimethicone and borage oil have established safety profiles. Borage oil's GLA is known to support skin barrier function in clinical research.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for cosmetic use in the US, EU, and other major markets. PEG compounds are regulated to ensure low impurity levels.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Serums, Primers, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- Silicones are generally not biodegradable, but this ingredient is used in small amounts. Some consumers choose silicone-free options for environmental reasons.
Good to know
- Borage oil is also known as starflower oil and is prized in skincare for its high GLA content
- This ingredient is often found in 'silky' or 'velvet' texture products
Common questions
What is Dimethicone PEG-8 Borageate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a hybrid of silicone and borage oil. It spreads easily on the skin, leaving a smooth, non-greasy finish. The borage oil part provides a small amount of fatty acids that can help support the skin's moisture barrier, while the silicone gives that velvety, soft texture. It's often used in products to improve feel and reduce water loss without feeling heavy.
What does Dimethicone PEG-8 Borageate do in a beauty product?
It forms a thin, breathable film on the skin's surface that helps lock in moisture and smooth out rough texture. The silicone component reduces friction, making the skin feel silky, while the borage-derived portion delivers fatty acids that can help maintain the skin's natural barrier.
Is Dimethicone PEG-8 Borageate safe for most people?
Considered safe for topical use at typical concentrations. The PEG component is cosmetic-grade and purified. Borage oil is well-tolerated. Rare reports of mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Who should be careful with Dimethicone PEG-8 Borageate?
Individuals who strictly avoid silicones or PEG compounds in their skincare
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.