Adding PEG-12 Dimethicone (Water-Soluble Silicone) to Formulation and its Effect on Hair

Asked by: akakkoii On: March 07, 2019 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

Regarding PEG-12 Dimethicone (water-soluble silicone):

  1. Can it be added in the final step of a formulation? It is heat sensitive (tolerates up to 80°C), but previously it was added at 85°C and evaporated.
  2. If added in the final step, will this silicone have any negative effects on hair?

Answer

Using PEG-12 Dimethicone in Formulations

Regarding your questions about PEG-12 Dimethicone:

  1. Adding in the final step: Yes, you can add PEG-12 Dimethicone in the final step of your formulation. Since it is sensitive to heat and can evaporate at temperatures above 80°C, adding it during the cool-down phase or at the end of the process, when the temperature is below its heat tolerance, is the correct approach to prevent degradation or loss of the ingredient.

  2. Effect on hair when added in the final step: Adding water-soluble silicones like PEG-12 Dimethicone in the final step is common practice in hair formulations. These silicones are beneficial for hair as they provide conditioning, improve wet and dry combability, add shine, and reduce frizz. Because they are water-soluble, they rinse off easily and do not cause significant build-up on the hair over time. Adding it in the final step ensures you get these benefits without exposing the ingredient to damaging heat.

Similar water-soluble silicones such as PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone and FoamTex™ (PEG-17 Dimethicone) also have heat limitations and are often recommended to be added in the water phase or final step of a formulation.

Answer Update
Updated Review: May 2026

This section was added after reviewing the original answer against current product availability and formulation knowledge at the stated point in time.

Update as of 2026-05-31

Current catalog information lists PEG-12 Dimethicone as Silicone Quick-Cond (PEG-12 Dimethicone). The current mixing guidance is to use it in water-containing formulas/water phase and avoid heating above 80°C; if the main batch is heated to around 85°C, add it during cool-down once the formula is below 80°C and mix until uniform. Current usage guidance is 0.5–5% overall, with typical guidance of 0.5–1.5% in shampoo and 1.5–3% in conditioner. This does not change the original conclusion that it is suitable for hair products and can help add softness, shine, and reduce tangling.

For similar water-dispersible/water-soluble silicones, follow each product’s own instructions: FoamTex™ (PEG-17 Dimethicone) is currently guided for final-step addition, while PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone is guided for water-phase addition with heat resistance not exceeding 80°C.

Tags

Water-Dispersible Silicone Heat Sensitive Mixing Procedure Conditioning Residue