Ingredient review
Poloxamer 105
INCI: Poloxamer 105
Poloxamer 105 is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps mix oil and water, making products feel smooth and spread easily without irritation.
In plain English
Poloxamer 105 is a man-made molecule that acts like a bridge between oil and water. In your skincare, it helps ingredients that normally don't mix (like oils and water) blend together into a stable, smooth lotion or cleanser. It also helps reduce the harshness of other cleansing ingredients, so your skin feels clean but not stripped or tight.
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
Poloxamer 105 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 Poloxamer 105.
- 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
Poloxamer 105 is a synthetic block copolymer made from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. It belongs to the poloxamer family, which are non-ionic surfactants known for their mildness and ability to stabilize emulsions.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamer 105 reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. It also helps dissolve fragrances or active ingredients that are not water-soluble, and it can reduce the irritation potential of stronger surfactants by forming protective micelles.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Poloxamer 105 is known for low irritation potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin types and daily-use cleansers.
Improves product feel
It helps create a smooth, non-greasy texture that spreads easily, enhancing the user experience of lotions and serums.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic ingredient
It is man-made, which may be a drawback for consumers seeking natural or plant-based formulations.
Can feel tacky at high levels
If used in high concentrations, Poloxamer 105 may leave a slightly sticky or tacky residue on the skin.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin who want gentle cleansers
- Anyone using products that need stable oil-water mixing, like lotions or serums
Use caution if
- Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients
- Individuals with known sensitivity to poloxamers (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Poloxamer 105 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low skin irritation and sensitization potential. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have evaluated poloxamers and found them safe for their intended uses.
Research notes
Studies on poloxamers indicate they are mild surfactants with low acute toxicity. Research supports their use as emulsifiers and solubilizers in topical formulations. Evidence is moderate, with most data coming from safety assessments rather than efficacy trials.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. Generally recognized as safe when used as directed.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Lotions, Serums
- Environmental note
- Poloxamers are synthetic and not readily biodegradable, but they are considered low in toxicity to aquatic life at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Good to know
- Poloxamer 105 is also used in pharmaceutical and industrial applications due to its low toxicity
- It is often listed as Pluronic L35 on ingredient labels
Common questions
What is Poloxamer 105 in beauty products?
Poloxamer 105 is a man-made molecule that acts like a bridge between oil and water. In your skincare, it helps ingredients that normally don't mix (like oils and water) blend together into a stable, smooth lotion or cleanser. It also helps reduce the harshness of other cleansing ingredients, so your skin feels clean but not stripped or tight.
What does Poloxamer 105 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamer 105 reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. It also helps dissolve fragrances or active ingredients that are not water-soluble, and it can reduce the irritation potential of stronger surfactants by forming protective micelles.
Is Poloxamer 105 safe for most people?
Poloxamer 105 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low skin irritation and sensitization potential. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have evaluated poloxamers and found them safe for their intended uses.
Who should be careful with Poloxamer 105?
Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients Individuals with known sensitivity to poloxamers (rare)
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.