DIMETHICONE PROPYL PG-BETAINE (Dimethicone propyl PG-betaine)

A silicone with betaine groups, used as a conditioning and cleansing surfactant.

What it is

Dimethicone propyl PG-betaine is a dimethicone (silicone) modified with hydroxypropyl ether groups carrying betaine (carboxymethyl-dimethylammonium) units, which makes it an amphoteric silicone surfactant. CosIng lists it as antistatic, cleansing, foam-boosting, hair-conditioning, a cleansing surfactant and viscosity-controlling.

Where it is used

Found in shampoos, shower gels, conditioners and cleansers.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The INCI name does not show the length of the silicone chain or the number of betaine groups.

Functions

Antistatic

Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Surfactant – foam boosting

Increasing foaming capacity and/or stabilize foams in general.

Hair conditioning

Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.

Surfactant – cleansing

Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

Viscosity controlling

Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

DIMETHICONE PROPYL PG-BETAINE

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (14)