Poloxamer 188

Benefits

CleansingAntiseptic

What is Poloxamer 188?

Poloxamer 188 is a synthetic triblock copolymer made from polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide units, creating a structure with hydrophilic and lipophilic segments. This design enables it to act as a non-ionic surfactant in various cosmetic products like cleansers, shampoos, lotions, and creams. It lowers surface tension to lift away dirt, oils, and residues while forming stable micelles for rinsing. In emulsions, it bridges water and oil phases to prevent separation, improving texture and spreadability. Often used in foaming washes and micellar waters, it solubilizes hard-to-mix ingredients, boosting overall formula efficacy. Produced through controlled polymerization of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, it finds applications in rinse-off and leave-on items due to its mild profile and compatibility with sensitive formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 2 View on EWG →

PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Antimicrobial agent

Helps limit growth of bacteria and other microbes on skin or in the formula; may be used for product protection, odor control, or targeted antimicrobial effects.

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Cleansing agent

Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Benefits

Gently cleanses by removing dirt and excess oils from skin.

Supports antimicrobial action to help control microbes in products.

Emulsifies ingredients for smoother, more stable skincare textures.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking mild foaming cleansers for daily use.	Those with rare allergies to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
People with normal or oily skin needing effective impurity removal.	People experiencing irritation from non-ionic surfactants.
Users of shampoos or body washes for refreshing rinse-off experiences.	Individuals preferring completely natural or preservative-free products.

Safety Notes

Safety assessments affirm its suitability for use in cosmetics at typical levels.
Presents low comedogenic potential, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Poloxamer 188

What does Poloxamer 188 do in skincare?

It functions as a surfactant to cleanse, emulsify, and provide mild antimicrobial effects in cleansers and creams.

Is Poloxamer 188 safe for sensitive skin?

Safety data indicates low irritation potential, making it suitable for most, though patch testing is advised.

Does Poloxamer 188 cause breakouts?

It has a non-comedogenic rating, unlikely to contribute to pore clogging.