Poloxamer 123
AKA “
Pluronic 123, Poloxamer 123
”
Surfactant
🦆
❤️
👻
Ingredient Facts
Poloxamer 123
AKA: Pluronic 123
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
WHAT IS IT?
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (7;21)
CAS #
9003-11-6
Form
Liquid
See origin →
WHAT'S IT DO?
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Strengthens Barrier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Developed as a synthetic surfactant and emulsifier for cosmetic applications. Provides improved stability and texture in oil-in-water emulsions.
Skin Types
●
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
IS IT SAFE?
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA
✔ permitted
EU
⚠ restricted
JAPAN
⚠ restricted
CANADA
⚠ restricted
Regulatory Agencies
EWG
CIR
FDA
EU COSING
Health Canada
WHAT'S THE PROOF?
Poloxamer 123
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR