PEG-10 Dimethicone is an excellent silicone-based surfactant for all classes of personal care formulas, particularly well suited in skin care. Specially designed for Silicone-in-Water emulsions, it is more hydrophobic and film-forming than PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone.
Substantivity and gloss tend to be higher with increasing molecular weight and PEG-10 Dimethicone is the highest molecular weight surfactant.
This copolymer consists of two distinct structures: 1) a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS ) portion (shown in "m" bracket below); and 2) a polyethylene oxide (PEO) graft chains (shown in "n" bracket below). For example, a broad range of HLB values is possible by varying the molecular weight ratio of PDMS to PEO. Generally, the higher the ratio, the lower the HLB value.
The viscosity of the surfactants can be altered by varying the molecular weight at a fixed PDMS :PEO weight ratio. It has very low surface tension (~22 dynes/cm) and acts as a nonionic dispersant and/or emulsifier in mixed silicone/organic oil systems.PEG-10 Dimethicone is a pale-yellow viscous liquid. Incorporated in personal care applications, it feels lubricious, adds gloss, and reduces static in hair care applications.