Ingredient review
Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407
INCI: Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407
A gentle synthetic polymer that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight on skin.
In plain English
Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407 is a man-made ingredient that helps skincare products feel silky and spread easily. It forms a very thin, flexible film on the skin that can help other ingredients stay in place without feeling heavy or sticky. Think of it like a helper that makes your lotion or serum glide on nicely and then disappear.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic polymer derived from Poloxamer 407, a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, modified with acrylate groups to create a crosslinked network.
How it works
When applied, it forms a thin, breathable film on the skin's surface. This film can improve the texture of a product, making it feel smoother and more elegant. It also helps stabilize emulsions and can enhance the water-resistance of sunscreens.
Pros
Silky texture
Creates a smooth, velvety feel on skin without heaviness, making products more pleasant to apply.
Low irritation risk
Generally well-tolerated even by sensitive skin, with very low reported irritation or allergic reactions.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
Not natural or biodegradable, which may be a concern for eco-conscious consumers looking for plant-based alternatives.
No active benefit
Does not provide hydration, antioxidants, or other direct skin benefits—it's purely a texture enhancer.
Best for
- Anyone who prefers lightweight, silky textures
- People with oily or combination skin looking for non-greasy products
Use caution if
- Those seeking exclusively natural or plant-based ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. Low irritation and sensitization potential. Not known to be comedogenic.
Research notes
Safety data is based on general polymer toxicology and industry experience. No specific long-term human studies are available, but it is widely used and accepted as safe by regulatory bodies.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 2%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. No known restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Masks
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it is not readily biodegradable. However, it is used in very low concentrations in rinse-off and leave-on products.
Good to know
- Often used in combination with other polymers to achieve a specific gel-like or creamy texture.
- Common in 'silicone-free' formulations as a lightweight alternative.
Common questions
What is Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407 in beauty products?
Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407 is a man-made ingredient that helps skincare products feel silky and spread easily. It forms a very thin, flexible film on the skin that can help other ingredients stay in place without feeling heavy or sticky. Think of it like a helper that makes your lotion or serum glide on nicely and then disappear.
What does Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407 do in a beauty product?
When applied, it forms a thin, breathable film on the skin's surface. This film can improve the texture of a product, making it feel smoother and more elegant. It also helps stabilize emulsions and can enhance the water-resistance of sunscreens.
Is Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407 safe for most people?
Considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. Low irritation and sensitization potential. Not known to be comedogenic.
Who should be careful with Bis-Acryloyl Poloxamer 407?
Those seeking exclusively natural or plant-based ingredients
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.