Poloxamer 401
AKA “Pluronic 401, Poloxamer 401, Polyoxypropylene Polyoxyethylene Block Copolymer”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Poloxamer 401
AKA: Pluronic 401, Polyoxypropylene Polyoxyethylene Block Copolymer
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (6;67)
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
Created as a synthetic poloxamer surfactant in the mid-20th century for modern cosmetics. Functions as an emulsifier and solubilizing agent in skincare formulations with no traditional or historical background.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR