Poloxamer 188
A mild non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer. It dissolves oils and actives and cleanses skin gently. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Poloxamer 188 (INCI: Poloxamer 188) is a mild non-ionic surfactant that works as a solubilizer and light cleanser. It dissolves oils and oil-soluble actives and provides gentle cleansing in gels and micellar solutions. This is a functional component, not a skincare active. Its role is technical: it solubilizes, stabilizes and cleanses gently. It handles these tasks well, but no treatment effects on the skin should be expected from it. Applied topically it has no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is very good, with low irritation potential and low allergy risk. It is one of the mildest surfactants in its category, suitable for sensitive skin and for rinse-off or frequently used products. Thanks to its gentle nature it does not strip noticeably, though the final result always depends on the full surfactant system in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is Poloxamer 188 safe during pregnancy?
Poloxamer 188 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Poloxamer 188 for?
Poloxamer 188 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Poloxamer 188 and what does it do in cosmetics?
A mild non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer.
What's the INCI name for Poloxamer 188?
The INCI name is Poloxamer 188.
See Poloxamer 188 in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Poloxamer 235, Poloxamer 338, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyacrylamide, Sodium Isethionate, Sweet Almond Seed Meal, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Lauramide DEA
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