PEG-12 Dimethicone

PEG-12 Dimethicone molecular structure

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Peg 12 Dimethicone?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Peg 12 Dimethicone is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children ages 5 and up (school-aged children, kids over five), PEG-12 Dimethicone is generally safe when used on the skin in normal, everyday products. Most headline health concerns are low, but the biggest issue is that the ingredient can sometimes be contaminated during manufacturing with small amounts of other chemicals.

✅What to Do

Choose products from trusted brands that say they test for impurities or control manufacturing residues. Use the product as the label directs, avoid applying it to cuts or very red, irritated skin, and do a small patch test on the inside of the child’s forearm — wait 24 hours to check for any reaction. If your child has very sensitive skin, consider limiting use or choosing an alternative product.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, itching, swelling or other signs of skin reaction and stop use if these appear. The warning about contamination comes from industry safety reviews and regulatory notes (for example Cosmetic Ingredient Review and related regulatory guidance); listed contaminants of concern include cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasiloxane, ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Some product certification programs restrict this ingredient unless the maker shows extra testing. If you’re concerned, ask the manufacturer whether their product is tested for these residues.

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 kid-friendly to use PEG-12 Dimethicone?

Yes, PEG-12 Dimethicone is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

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

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

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

Possible negative effects on the environment

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

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

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

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

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

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

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 kids start using products with PEG-12 Dimethicone?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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