PEGs and silicones are used in cosmetics to improve texture and feel. They don't nourish the skin, they mask.
Silicones create a layer over the skin. PEGs make other ingredients more absorbable, but sometimes also carry unwanted substances in.
Plant oils and butters actually do what they promise: they nourish, protect and support the skin barrier without synthetic tricks.
What are PEGs?
PEGs stands for Polyethylene Glycols. They are synthetic substances based on ethylene oxide, a petrochemical feedstock. They are used in cosmetics as emulsifiers, thickeners or solvents.
On INCI lists you recognize them by the prefix "PEG-" followed by a number, for example PEG-40, PEG-100 or PEG-150. The higher the number, the larger the molecule.
The production process of PEGs can leave residues of 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-Dioxane is classified by IARC as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A). In the EU there are no explicit maximum limits for 1,4-dioxane in cosmetics, which makes monitoring complex.
What are silicones?
Silicones are synthetic polymers based on silicon. They appear under names like Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclomethicone and Amodimethicone.
They create a thin, water-repellent layer over the skin or hair. This makes the skin feel immediately smooth and soft, but that feeling is cosmetic, not nourishing.
What do PEGs do to your skin?
PEGs are not irritating per se, but they have properties that affect your skin:
- -Reduce the skin's barrier function
- -Allow other substances to penetrate more easily
- -During production, residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane can remain
- -Extra risk with sensitive or damaged skin barrier
What do silicones do to your skin?
| Property | Silicones | Plant oils |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Cosmetic layer over the skin | Nourish and protect the skin |
| Skincare | Masking, not nourishing | Actually nourishing |
| Build-up | Accumulates with repeated use | Absorbed by the skin |
| Biodegradability | Not biodegradable | Fully biodegradable |
The EU has already restricted the use of cyclic silicones D4 and D5 in rinse-off cosmetics due to environmental risks (Regulation 2018/35).
What are the alternatives?
Plant butters
Shea butter and cocoa butter provide natural softness and protect the skin barrier.
Plant oils
Coconut oil and jojoba oil nourish the skin without a synthetic layer.
Glycerin
Natural by-product of saponification. Attracts moisture and keeps skin hydrated.
Why doesn't La Fuente Mía use PEGs and silicones?
They add nothing to skincare. PEGs and silicones are there to make the product feel better, not to make your skin better. We choose substances that actually do something.
This choice is on our NO-list: a published list of substances we never use under any circumstances.
Last updated: 6 March 2026