A silicone polyether used as an emulsifier and conditioning ingredient.
What it is
PEG-11 methyl ether dimethicone is a silicone (dimethicone) carrying polyethylene glycol chains capped with a methyl ether group, with an average of 11 ethylene oxide units. CosIng lists it as an emulsifying surfactant and as a hair- and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in creams, foundations, hair care products and other emulsions.
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 number 11 refers to the average degree of ethoxylation, so the raw material is a mixture of molecules.
Functions
- Surfactant – emulsifying
- Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
- 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.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.