Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate is a silicone-based surfactant used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is a hybrid ingredient, combining the properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dimethicone (a type of silicone) with sulfosuccinate. This surfactant is particularly valued for its mildness, ability to create foam, and capacity to enhance the spreadability of formulations. It is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, facial cleansers, and other personal care products.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate is a complex molecule that includes a PEG (polyethylene glycol) chain bonded to dimethicone, a silicone polymer known for its conditioning and smoothing properties. The molecule is further functionalized with sulfosuccinate, a mild anionic surfactant known for its gentle cleansing abilities. This combination of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) PEG group, a hydrophobic (water-repelling) silicone group, and the sulfosuccinate portion gives it the ability to act as a mild surfactant and emulsifier.

Physical Properties
This compound is typically found as a liquid or gel-like substance, soluble in water, and able to create a mild, creamy foam. It helps to emulsify oil and water-based ingredients and can improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic formulations. It provides a smooth, silky finish on the skin or hair and is non-greasy.

Production Process
Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate is produced by chemically bonding polyethylene glycol (PEG-12) to dimethicone and then incorporating sulfosuccinate through a chemical reaction. The result is a mild surfactant that has the benefits of both silicone and sulfosuccinate, making it highly effective in gentle cleansing products.

Applications

• Hair Care: It is commonly used in shampoos and conditioners to improve foam formation, provide mild cleansing, and enhance the smoothness and manageability of hair. The dimethicone portion helps to condition the hair, reducing frizz and improving texture without causing buildup.

• Skin Care: In body washes, facial cleansers, and other skin care formulations, Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate acts as a gentle surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. It leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

• Baby and Sensitive Skin Products: Due to its mildness, this ingredient is often used in formulations for sensitive skin or baby care products where a gentle cleansing effect is required.

INCI Functions:

Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.

Surfactant - Hydrotrope (solubilizing agents). It has the property of facilitating the miscibility of other compounds that are poorly soluble in water and does not form micelles in the solubilisation process, even with a chemical reaction of complexation or molecular aggregation. The two fundamental solubilisation factors are the hydrotropic-solute association mediated by the depression of water activity and ionic dissociation.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safety in Use
Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. It is designed to be mild and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization when used in recommended concentrations in personal care products.

Allergic Reactions
While allergic reactions to this ingredient are uncommon, individuals with known sensitivities to silicones or PEG-based compounds should exercise caution. However, it is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
There is no evidence to suggest that Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate is toxic or carcinogenic. It has been evaluated by cosmetic safety regulatory bodies, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), which approves its use in cosmetics when formulated within safe concentration limits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations
As a synthetic ingredient, Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate may not be readily biodegradable. However, it is considered safe for use in personal care products with minimal environmental impact when used in appropriate concentrations. Manufacturers are encouraged to follow proper waste management and environmental guidelines to prevent potential contamination.

Regulatory Status
Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate is approved for use in cosmetics and personal care products in regions including the European Union, the United States, and other international markets. Its use is regulated to ensure that it meets safety standards for personal care applications.

Applications Under Strict Control

• Shampoos and Conditioners: Used to provide gentle cleansing, improve foam, and enhance hair conditioning properties.

• Facial and Body Cleansers: Found in products designed for sensitive skin, where it offers mild cleansing and conditioning effects.

Safety

Dimethicone ((polydimethylsiloxane) is a chemical compound, a high molecular weight polymer derived from silicone, a chemically inert mixture of linear methylated siloxane polymers. The term 'dimeth' denotes two methyl groups bonded to the silicone molecule that provide the formation of dimethicone. It possesses a pronounced viscoelasticity characteristic and is hydrophobic, thus adding shine and slipperiness when applied to hair or skin. It forms a kind of barrier that prevents exogenous substances from entering the stratum corneum and at the same time prevents water loss. It is also UV-resistant, non-greasy and cost-effective. At low concentrations it is considered by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to be a skin protector with a good degree of safety.

It is therefore considered safe when formulated to be non-irritating in cosmetic products as, given its high molecular weight, it is poorly absorbed by the skin or scalp.

And now let us talk about PEGs.

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.