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Moumoujus

POLOXAMER 212.

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

Poloxamer 212 is a synthetic block copolymer engineered to function as a versatile non-ionic surfactant, emulsifier, cleansing agent, and solubilizer. Esteemed for its ability to integrate oil and water phases, it enhances product texture and performance across diverse skincare formulations. Its high safety profile and low irritancy make it compatible with all skin types.

Summary

Solubilizer Emulsifying Cleansing Surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

Poloxamer 212 acts by significantly reducing the surface tension between substances, thereby facilitating the formation of stable emulsions. This surfactive property allows it to efficiently blend immiscible ingredients, solubilize active compounds into a solvent where they would not normally dissolve, and enable water to effectively mix with and lift oils and dirt for comprehensive skin cleansing. It also shows promise in supporting wound cleansing and stabilizing other delicate ingredients.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.005–20%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical dermal irritation and sensitization tests conducted on poloxamers, including Poloxamer 212, yielded uniformly negative results across concentrations up to 20%, affirming its excellent skin tolerability and suitability for cosmetic application.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Poloxamer 212 exhibits optimal stability within a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. Solutions may undergo degradation at pH values below 5.0, potentially causing a significant drop in pH from a neutral range (e.g., 6-7) to an acidic range (2.66-3.85). Rigorous control of manufacturing impurities, particularly ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, is critical for maintaining formulation integrity.

Conflicts

  • Low pH environments (below 5.0) can compromise Poloxamer 212's stability.

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded Poloxamer 212 is safe for cosmetic use, largely attributed to its minimal anticipated skin penetration due to its molecular weight and solubility. The CIR panel stresses the importance of controlling impurities, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and 1,4-dioxane, during manufacturing. The FDA lists poloxamers as indirect food additives, and they are permissible in European cosmetics under general provisions.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Poloxamer 212 is a valuable, well-tolerated multi-functional ingredient that enhances formulation stability and efficacy across a wide range of precision skincare applications, particularly for cleansing and solubilization.

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