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Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

What Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is & what it does

A silicone emulsifier that stabilizes water-in-oil and water-in-silicone formulas, giving a smooth, long-wearing finish. It is common in high-performance sunscreens.

What is Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone and what does it do in sunscreen?

It is a silicone-based emulsifier. Its job is to hold water-in-oil and water-in-silicone formulas together so the cream or fluid stays stable and does not separate. It is common in high-performance and long-wearing sunscreens because it gives a smooth, water-resistant finish that holds up well over a day of wear.

Is Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone safe?

Yes, as used in cosmetics. Silicone emulsifiers like this one sit on the surface of the skin and are well tolerated, including by sensitive skin. It is used at low levels purely to keep the formula stable, and it is a long-standing workhorse in foundations and sunscreens.

Does Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone clog pores?

Generally no. It is a lightweight emulsifier used in small amounts rather than a heavy oil or butter, and silicone-based emulsifiers are not classic pore-clogging ingredients. Breakouts from a product are far more likely to trace back to richer emollients or waxes in the formula.

What else is Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone called?

On the label you will see the full INCI name, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, with no shorter common name. The lauryl and PEG-9 parts describe the oil-loving and water-loving sections that let it bridge the two phases of the formula.

Is Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone a silicone?

Yes. It is a modified dimethicone, which is a silicone, with lauryl and PEG groups attached to turn it into an emulsifier. That silicone backbone is what gives the finished sunscreen its smooth slip and long-wearing feel.

Sunscreens with Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

We rate 185 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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