Behenoxy PEG-10 Dimethicone is a silicone derivative modified with behenoxy and polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups. This ingredient is widely used in cosmetic products for its conditioning and moisturizing properties, providing a silky and smooth feel to hair and skin. The PEG-10 Dimethicone enhances the solubility of dimethicone and improves its compatibility with other ingredients.

Chemical Composition and Structure

• Chemical Composition: Behenoxy PEG-10 Dimethicone is composed of dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane) modified with behenoxy groups and PEG-10. The behenoxy groups are derived from behenic acid, while PEG-10 is a polymer of ethylene glycol that improves the solubility and dispersion of the silicone.

• Structure: The molecule consists of a dimethicone backbone with behenoxy groups and a PEG-10 polymer. This structure gives Behenoxy PEG-10 Dimethicone excellent conditioning properties and enhances the texture of cosmetic formulations.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Typically a clear, viscous liquid.
• Solubility: Greater solubility in water and organic solvents compared to pure dimethicone, due to the presence of PEG-10.
• pH: Stable across a wide pH range, making it versatile for various formulations.

Production Process

1. Silicone Polymerization: The base dimethicone is synthesized through the polymerization of siloxane monomers.
2. Modification with PEG: Dimethicone is then modified with behenoxy groups and PEG-10 to enhance its solubility and compatibility.
3. Purification: The finished product undergoes purification to ensure safety and efficacy.
4. Formulation: Incorporated into cosmetic products to improve conditioning and moisturizing properties.

Applications

• Medical: Not commonly used in medical applications.
• Cosmetics: Used in hair products (shampoos, conditioners, styling products) and skin products (moisturizers, serums) to enhance softness, shine, and manageability. Helps reduce frizz and provides a smooth texture.

INCI Functions:

Skin conditioning agent - Humectant. Humectants are hygroscopic substances used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up the human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: corneum, the most superficial, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum and basale. Humectants have the ability to retain in the stratum corneum the water they attract from the air and have the function of moisturising the skin. It is better to use them before emollients that are oil-based.

Surfactant - Suspending agent. Cosmetic or pharmaceutical suspensions are known to be thermodynamically unstable and it is therefore essential to include in the formulation a suspending agent capable of dispersing any sedimented particulates and reducing the rate of sedimentation. The presence of this agent increases the consistency of the suspension medium and exerts a protective colloidal action with a surfactant action.

CAS: 1136947-78-8

• Food: Not used in food products.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Like all silicones, it should be used according to established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should exercise caution. It is important to ensure that the ingredient is responsibly sourced and free from harmful chemicals.

Since the PEG (Polyethylene glycol) family is very numerous and can be found in cosmetic, industrial, pharmaceutical, medical and other products, we need to make an introductory statement on the subject, which is rather complex from a safety point of view because these products not only come into contact with the skin, but, as in the case of medical products, are ingested.

PEGs (polyethylene glycol) polymerise condensed ethylene oxide and water and are referred to as polyethylene glycols, but are actually complex chemical components, polymers bonded together. For example, plastic is polyethylene and has a hard consistency, while polyethylene combined with glycol forms a liquid. PEGylation is produced not only as etherification, but also as transesterification, which is the transformation of an alcohol by an ester.

The number appearing after the abbreviation PEG represents the molecular weight and the higher this number is, the less it penetrates the skin.

The term 'eth' refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. At present, no manufacturer is known to provide this information on the label.