PEG-12 Dimethicone

PEG-12 Dimethicone molecular structure

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Peg 12 Dimethicone?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Peg 12 Dimethicone not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (0–6 months): PEG-12 Dimethicone is used to soften skin and is not usually an irritant, but safety information for very young babies is limited. The main worry is that the ingredient can sometimes be contaminated with other chemicals that may be harmful. Because newborn skin is delicate, it’s safest to be cautious.

What to Do

If possible, choose baby products that are made for newborns and that state they avoid impurities or list simple ingredient sets. Don’t use products with this ingredient on broken or irritated skin. If you must use a product that contains PEG-12 Dimethicone, apply a small amount to a small area once and watch for 24–48 hours for any reaction before wider use. Stop use immediately and talk with your baby’s doctor if you see redness, swelling, rash, or any breathing changes.

⚠️Warnings

The provided safety data specifically flagged contamination concerns (including ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane, and some cyclic siloxanes). Also, some product certification programs limit or restrict this ingredient unless manufacturers provide extra safety evidence. Watch for skin irritation, persistent redness, swelling, or any change in breathing. Avoid routine use on newborns and infants under 6 months when safer, simpler baby-specific products are available.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient record flags high contamination concerns with small chemicals named 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. Those contaminants are linked to cancer risk, and the safety notes show concern about their presence in products (industry safety review flagged data gaps).
Environmental: The ingredient can carry cyclic siloxanes (cyclopentasiloxane and cyclotetrasiloxane) as contaminants. These substances are singled out in the safety notes because they are persistent and cause environmental harm.
Absorbed: This is a PEG-modified silicone used on skin and the record notes multiple, additive exposure sources and safety assessments done on 'as used' levels. Small-molecule contaminants listed can cross skin and get into the body, so there is a real chance of absorption.
Banned: The ingredient is flagged as restricted for verified product programs and the safety notes describe industry or government limits on use, impurities, and manufacturing — meaning some programs forbid it without proof of safety.
Long-Term Risk: High contamination concerns plus noted data gaps in the industry safety review mean repeated or long-term use could raise health risks over time because impurities may accumulate or be repeatedly encountered.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for PEG-12 Dimethicone

This ingredient may also be listed as:

peg-12 dimethiconePEG-12 DIMETHICONE

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing PEG-12 Dimethicone

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain PEG-12 Dimethicone or its alternative names.

Common Questions About PEG-12 Dimethicone

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use PEG-12 Dimethicone?

PEG-12 Dimethicone is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the cancer risks of PEG-12 Dimethicone for newborns?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of PEG-12 Dimethicone for newborns?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of PEG-12 Dimethicone for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the banned risks of PEG-12 Dimethicone for newborns?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of PEG-12 Dimethicone for newborns?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain PEG-12 Dimethicone?

PEG-12 Dimethicone is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with PEG-12 Dimethicone?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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