Poloxamer 238
AKA “Pluronic 238, Poloxamer 238”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Poloxamer 238
AKA: Pluronic 238
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (97;39)
CAS #
9003-11-6
Form
Liquid
See origin →
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 in the 1950s as a synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from polypropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. Used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to solubilize oils and improve product texture, with no traditional or historical use prior to modern chemistry.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR