Ingredient review
Poloxamine 1304
INCI: POLOXAMINE 1304
Poloxamine 1304 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers and lotions, with low irritation potential.
In plain English
Poloxamine 1304 is a man-made ingredient that helps mix oil and water in your skincare products so they stay smooth and don't separate. It's often used in cleansers and lotions to create a nice, even texture and to help other ingredients spread easily on your skin. Think of it as a friendly bridge between water-loving and oil-loving ingredients.
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
Poloxamine 1304 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 Poloxamine 1304.
- 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
Poloxamine 1304 is a synthetic block copolymer surfactant, part of the poloxamine family. It is made from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, creating a molecule that can both attract water and dissolve oils.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamine 1304 reduces surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. This helps cleansers foam gently, lotions feel creamy, and serums absorb without feeling greasy. It also helps suspend other ingredients evenly throughout the formula.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Poloxamine 1304 has a low irritation risk, making it suitable for daily use in cleansers and moisturizers even for sensitive skin types.
Improves product feel
It helps lotions and serums spread smoothly without leaving a heavy or greasy residue, enhancing the user experience.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
As a petrochemical-derived ingredient, it may not be preferred by those seeking natural or organic skincare options.
Can feel tacky at high levels
In formulas with more than 5% concentration, it may leave a slightly sticky or tacky feel on the skin.
Best for
- People with normal to combination skin
- Anyone using lotions or cleansers who wants a stable, consistent texture
Use caution if
- Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients
- Individuals with known rare allergies to ethylene oxide derivatives
Usage tips
Safety summary
Poloxamine 1304 has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, supported by decades of safe use in personal care products. It is not a common allergen and is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Research notes
Studies on poloxamines show they are effective emulsifiers with low toxicity. Research specific to Poloxamine 1304 is limited, but the broader class is well-documented for safety in topical applications.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. Generally recognized as safe when used as directed.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Lotions, Serums
- Environmental note
- Poloxamine 1304 is biodegradable in standard wastewater treatment, though its production relies on non-renewable petrochemical feedstocks.
Good to know
- Poloxamine 1304 is often used in combination with other poloxamines or poloxamers for enhanced performance.
- It is considered biodegradable under standard wastewater treatment conditions.
Common questions
What is Poloxamine 1304 in beauty products?
Poloxamine 1304 is a man-made ingredient that helps mix oil and water in your skincare products so they stay smooth and don't separate. It's often used in cleansers and lotions to create a nice, even texture and to help other ingredients spread easily on your skin. Think of it as a friendly bridge between water-loving and oil-loving ingredients.
What does Poloxamine 1304 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamine 1304 reduces surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. This helps cleansers foam gently, lotions feel creamy, and serums absorb without feeling greasy. It also helps suspend other ingredients evenly throughout the formula.
Is Poloxamine 1304 safe for most people?
Poloxamine 1304 has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, supported by decades of safe use in personal care products. It is not a common allergen and is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Who should be careful with Poloxamine 1304?
Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients Individuals with known rare allergies to ethylene oxide derivatives
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.