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Moumoujus

POLOXAMER 181.

Valuable CAS 9003-11-6 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Poloxamer 181 is a nonionic triblock copolymer engineered to enhance product stability and performance. It functions primarily as a surfactant and emulsifying agent, allowing for the stable blending of immiscible liquids and improving the solubility of various ingredients within formulations. It also contributes to superior cleansing efficacy by facilitating the removal of oil and dirt.

Summary

Surfactant Emulsifying agent Cleansing agent Solubilizing agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates as a nonionic triblock copolymer, characterized by a central hydrophobic polyoxypropylene chain flanked by two hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains. This amphiphilic architecture enables Poloxamer 181 to significantly reduce the surface tension between oil and water, thus stabilizing emulsions, solubilizing lipid-soluble compounds into aqueous systems, and effectively lifting sebaceous secretions and particulate matter from the skin and hair for efficient rinsing.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.005–20%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A comprehensive review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, encompassing concentrations from 0.005% to 20% in cosmetic products, reported uniformly negative results for dermal irritation and sensitization, underscoring its favorable safety profile for topical application.
  2. 02 In an in vitro study, Poloxamer 181 at a concentration of 1 mg/mL demonstrated a 91% inhibitory effect against Mycobacterium avium, suggesting potential antimicrobial properties that may have implications in specialized formulations.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Poloxamer 181 serves as a fundamental functional ingredient, critical for achieving formulation stability, solubilizing active components, and ensuring effective cleansing. Its inclusion is typically dictated by essential formulation requirements rather than being an 'active' ingredient prone to marketing overstatement or 'dusting'.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Poloxamer 181 exhibits high stability under normal processing and storage conditions, making it a robust component for diverse cosmetic formulations.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
20%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Poloxamers, including Poloxamer 181, are 'safe as used' in cosmetics up to 20%. While specific reproductive and developmental toxicity data were not available, the panel predicted minimal skin penetration based on its molecular weight and solubility. The CIR panel further stressed the importance of rigorous purification to maintain impurities like 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide below established regulatory limits. Both the CIR and SkinSAFE classify Poloxamer 181 as non-irritating for dermal use, reinforcing its broad compatibility, notwithstanding some Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) indicating potential for mild irritation in extremely sensitive individuals.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Poloxamer 181 is a valuable, well-tolerated functional ingredient, indispensable for formulating stable emulsions, enhancing ingredient solubilization, and improving cleansing efficacy across a diverse range of precision skincare and haircare products.

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