Poloxamer 402
AKA “Pluronic 402, Poloxamer 402, Polyoxypropylene Polyoxyethylene Block Copolymer”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Poloxamer 402
AKA: Pluronic 402, Polyoxypropylene Polyoxyethylene Block Copolymer
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (13;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
Developed in the 1950s as a synthetic nonionic surfactant for cosmetic formulations. Used to emulsify and solubilize ingredients in skincare products without any traditional or pre-modern applications.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR