Lauryl Peg-8 Ppg-8 Dimethicone is an inorganic chemical compound, a Dimethicone by-product.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Lauryl refers to lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol with a chain of 12 carbons, which forms the basis of the molecule.
• PEG-8 indicates that ethylene oxide units have been added to the molecule. The symbol "8" indicates that an average of 8 ethylene oxide units have been added.
• PPG-8 indicates that propylene oxide units were added to the molecule. The number "8" indicates that an average of 8 propylene oxide units were added.
• Dimethicone indicates that the molecule contains dimethicone, a type of silicone.

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Preparation of lauryl alcohol. Lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol with a 12-carbon chain, is derived from natural sources or synthesised from petrochemical precursors.
• Polymerisation with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is then reacted with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in a process called polymerisation. This involves the addition of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) units to the alcohol, forming a polyether. The number 8 in the name indicates that, on average, 8 units of EO and 8 units of PO are added.
• Reaction with dimethicone. The resulting polyether is reacted with dimethicone, a type of silicone, to form the final product.

In terms of its physical properties, it is generally a liquid at room temperature. The colour may vary, but it is generally clear to yellow. However, the exact properties may depend on the specific formulation and concentration of the product in which it is used.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

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 - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

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.

PPG (Polypropylene glycol) in small quantities is a safe, biocompatible, biodegradable polymer that produces pyruvic acid, a metabolite that our body uses to produce metabolic energy.

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.

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. No manufacturer appears to provide this information on the label, at least as of the date of this review.