Poloxamer 407

What is Poloxamer 407?

Poloxamer 407 is a synthetic non-ionic surfactant, specifically a triblock copolymer made from polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide units arranged as hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic blocks. This amphiphilic structure enables it to interact with both water and oils. In cosmetic formulations, it belongs to cleansing and emulsion-stabilizing categories, typically appearing in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and cream-based products. It functions by lowering surface tension to lift dirt and oils from skin, forming stable interfaces between immiscible phases to prevent separation in lotions, and creating micelles that dissolve lipophilic components like fragrances into watery bases for uniform distribution. Its gel-forming ability at certain temperatures adds versatility in semi-solid textures.

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.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Enables thorough yet non-stripping cleansing in washes and shampoos.

Supports even blending of ingredients for smooth, stable product textures.

Facilitates clear incorporation of oils into water formulas for sprays and toners.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users preferring gentle surfactant-based cleansers.
People with rare allergies to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Individuals using emulsion products like lotions and creams.
Individuals sensitive to high-surfactant cleansers.
Those formulating or selecting clear, solubilized water-based skincare.
Those preferring completely natural or sulfate-free alternatives only.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as low concern overall by environmental working group standards.
  • Reviewed safe for use in cosmetics by expert safety panels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Poloxamer 407

What makes Poloxamer 407 suitable for cleansers?

Its ability to reduce surface tension gently removes impurities while maintaining skin barrier comfort.

Is Poloxamer 407 comedogenic?

No, it carries a comedogenic rating of zero, suitable for pore-friendly routines.

How does it contribute to product stability?

By emulsifying oils into water and solubilizing actives for consistent, non-separating formulas.