Peg/Ppg-20/6 Dimethicone is an inorganic chemical compound, a Dimethicone by-product.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Peg/Ppg. These acronyms refer to polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). Both are polymers used to enhance the solubility and emulsifying properties of compounds.
• 20/6. These numbers indicate the average degree of ethoxylation or propoxylation. In this case, it suggests there are on average 20 units of ethoxylation and 6 units of propoxylation.
• Dimethicone is a type of silicone used in many cosmetic and skincare products for its emollient and protective properties.

Raw Materials Used in Production.

• Dimethicone: A type of silicone with a polymer structure that forms the backbone of this ingredient.
• Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide: Used to ethoxylate and propoxylate the dimethicone to form Peg/Ppg-20/6 Dimethicone.

Step-by-step Summary of Industrial Production Process.

• Ethoxylation and propoxylation reaction. Dimethicone reacts with both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide under controlled conditions to form Peg/Ppg-20/6 Dimethicone.
• Neutralization. Any remaining traces of bases or acids are neutralized.
• Purification. The reactive mixture is then purified to remove impurities and any unreacted components.
• Drying. The Peg/Ppg-20/6 Dimethicone is separated and dried.

Form and Color.

Peg/Ppg-20/6 Dimethicone typically appears as a viscous, clear liquid.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

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.

Commercial Applications.

Cosmetic Industry. Peg/Ppg-20/6 Dimethicone is used as an emulsifying or conditioning agent to aid in formulating products that spread easily on the skin or hair. It has both hydrophilic and oleophilic properties, making it ideal for stabilizing oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions.

Common Applications. It's often found in products like creams, lotions, serums, hair care products, and cosmetics.

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.