Poloxamer 235

What is Poloxamer 235?

Poloxamer 235 is a synthetic nonionic surfactant from the poloxamer series, featuring a triblock copolymer structure with hydrophilic polyoxyethylene segments flanking a central hydrophobic polyoxypropylene core. This amphiphilic design gives it versatile surface-active properties. Primarily used in rinse-off cosmetics such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and micellar waters, it excels in personal care formulations. By lowering interfacial tension, it facilitates the dispersion of oils, dirt, and residues in water, aiding their removal during rinsing. It also emulsifies immiscible phases to maintain product stability and disperses lipophilic components like essential oils or fragrances into aqueous systems, yielding transparent solutions. Its balanced hydrophilicity supports gentle yet efficient performance in daily cleansing routines without overly disrupting the skin's barrier.

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:

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.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Delivers effective dirt and oil removal for refreshed skin and hair.

Supports clear, stable product textures by solubilizing hard-to-mix ingredients.

Contributes to rich lathering in washes and shampoos for satisfying use.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with normal or oily skin needing reliable daily cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Users of shampoos or body washes seeking mild foaming action.
People preferring only plant-derived cleansing agents.
Individuals preferring clear toners or sprays with solubilized fragrances.
Individuals with ultra-sensitive skin who patch-test new ingredients.

Safety Notes

  • Low comedogenic rating indicates minimal pore-clogging risk.
  • Typically well-tolerated in rinse-off products at cosmetic levels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Poloxamer 235

What does Poloxamer 235 do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse, emulsify oils, and solubilize fragrances for stable, clear formulas.

Is Poloxamer 235 irritating?

It has low irritation potential, suitable for most skin types in rinse-off items.

Where is Poloxamer 235 commonly used?

Found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and micellar solutions.