PEG-10 dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer is a chemical compound, silicone elastomer with characteristics of high heat resistance and elasticity adaptable to both high and low temperatures, consisting of crosslinked dimethicone copolymers with a bifunctional agent. Cross-linked polymer containing dimeticone, vintl dimethicone and PEG-10.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• PEG-10 Dimethicone - Indicates a polydimethylsiloxane that has been modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups. The "10" suggests there are roughly 10 ethylene oxide units per molecule.
• Vinyl Dimethicone - This is polydimethylsiloxane modified with vinyl groups, which are used for crosslinking or the formation of cross bonds.
• Crosspolymer - Indicates that the polymer has a branched or crosslinked structure.

Description of raw materials used in production:

• Polydimethylsiloxane - Used as a starting point, it is a linear silicone polymer.
• Ethylene oxide - Used to modify polydimethylsiloxane and introduce PEG groups.
• Vinyl groups - Used to introduce reactive sites into the polymer for crosslinking.

 It is produced by hydroxylation by adding silicon hydride bonds with a catalyst, usually platinum.  

Synthesis process

• PEG Modification - The polydimethylsiloxane is reacted with ethylene oxide to introduce PEG groups, producing PEG-10 Dimethicone.
• Introduction of vinyl groups - Vinyl dimethicone is then introduced into the system.
• Crosslinking - The entire system is exposed to conditions (like heat or specific catalysts) that promote the formation of crosslinks between the molecules, forming the crosspolymer.

Safety. 

Dimethicone is considered a safe component and impurities, according to the most up-to-date data, are of no health concern.

PEG is an acronym for Polyethylene glycol. 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.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Viscosity Enhancing Agent - non acqueous. Since viscosity is important for increasing the chemical and physical stability of the product, Viscosity Enhancing Agent non acqueous is an important dosage factor in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. Increasing viscosity makes formulations less sedimentary and more homogeneously thickened.

Light stabilizer. It prevents light from degrading light-sensitive components and slows down degradation reactions that have already begun. The mechanism is, in a way, similar to antioxidants and the effectiveness depends on the.complexity of the formulation and the density of the product.