A silicone-polyether copolymer combining trisiloxane (a short-chain silicone) with PEG (5 units) and PPG (3 units). This hybrid molecule functions as a water-soluble silicone emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent. It provides the smooth, silky feel characteristic of silicones while being water-dispersible, making it useful in clear and translucent cosmetic formulations.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Silky silicone feel without oiliness — imparts a smooth, velvety finish
+ Water-dispersible silicone — enables silicone benefits in aqueous products
+ Mild surface tension reduction — improves spreadability of formulas on skin
Pros
+ CIR-reviewed — silicone-polyether copolymers considered safe in cosmetics
+ Non-comedogenic — does not clog pores
+ Low irritation — well-tolerated on sensitive skin
+ Improves product texture significantly at low concentrations
Cons
− Silicone component — some consumers avoid silicones for environmental or personal reasons
− Fully synthetic — does not align with natural beauty trends
− Limited independent safety data on this specific copolymer
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Serums
0.5-3%
Primers
0.5-2%
Light moisturizers
0.5-2%
References
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) — Safety Assessment of PEG and PEG Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics. Published in International Journal of Toxicology.
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Cosmetic Ingredient Hazard Score. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) — INCI Monograph and Safety Data.