Ingredient review
Poloxamer 105 Benzoate
INCI: Poloxamer 105 Benzoate
Poloxamer 105 Benzoate is a gentle synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but it offers no direct skin benefits beyond cleansing.
In plain English
Poloxamer 105 Benzoate is a man-made ingredient that helps cleansers and shampoos mix oil and water so they can remove dirt and makeup effectively. It is considered mild and unlikely to irritate most skin types, making it a common choice for gentle cleansing products.
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 Benzoate 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 Benzoate.
- 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 Benzoate is a modified poloxamer—a type of synthetic block copolymer—that has been esterified with benzoic acid. It acts as a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier, meaning it helps stabilize mixtures of oil and water in cosmetic formulas.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamer 105 Benzoate reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable emulsion. During rinsing, it helps lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin so they can be washed away easily. Its benzoate modification may also provide mild antimicrobial properties.
Pros
Mild on skin
Poloxamer 105 Benzoate is a low-irritation surfactant, making it suitable for daily cleansing without disrupting the skin barrier.
Good emulsifier
It helps create stable, smooth formulas that mix oil and water, improving product texture and performance.
Cons and cautions
No active benefits
This ingredient primarily functions as a cleanser and emulsifier; it does not provide hydration, anti-aging, or other active skincare benefits.
Synthetic origin
As a synthetic polymer, it may not appeal to consumers seeking natural or biodegradable ingredients.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Those who prefer synthetic, reliably gentle surfactants
Use caution if
- Individuals seeking purely natural or plant-based skincare ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Poloxamer 105 Benzoate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant safety concerns have been identified in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Research on poloxamers in general supports their safety and mildness as surfactants. Specific studies on Poloxamer 105 Benzoate are limited, but its structure is similar to other well-studied poloxamers used in personal care.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at 1–5% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- 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, Emulsions
- Environmental note
- Poloxamers are synthetic and may not be readily biodegradable. Their environmental impact is considered low at typical usage levels, but they persist longer than some natural alternatives.
Good to know
- Poloxamer 105 Benzoate is often used in combination with other surfactants to fine-tune foam and cleansing properties
- Its benzoate group may offer mild preservation benefits, but it is not a primary preservative
Common questions
What is Poloxamer 105 Benzoate in beauty products?
Poloxamer 105 Benzoate is a man-made ingredient that helps cleansers and shampoos mix oil and water so they can remove dirt and makeup effectively. It is considered mild and unlikely to irritate most skin types, making it a common choice for gentle cleansing products.
What does Poloxamer 105 Benzoate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamer 105 Benzoate reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable emulsion. During rinsing, it helps lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin so they can be washed away easily. Its benzoate modification may also provide mild antimicrobial properties.
Is Poloxamer 105 Benzoate safe for most people?
Poloxamer 105 Benzoate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant safety concerns have been identified in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Poloxamer 105 Benzoate?
Individuals seeking purely natural or plant-based skincare 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.