Ingredient review
Poloxamine 1307
INCI: Poloxamine 1307
Poloxamine 1307 is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps mix oil and water in formulas, making cleansers and lotions more stable and less irritating.
In plain English
Poloxamine 1307 is a man-made molecule that acts like a bridge between oil and water. In your skincare products, it helps ingredients that normally don't mix (like oil and water) blend together smoothly. This makes your cleansers foam gently without stripping your skin, and your lotions feel creamy and even. It's known for being very mild, so it's often used in products for sensitive skin.
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 1307 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 1307.
- 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 1307 is a synthetic block copolymer, meaning it's a large molecule made of repeating units of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. It belongs to the poloxamine family, which are non-ionic surfactants. It is produced through chemical synthesis and is a white to off-white solid at room temperature.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamine 1307 works by reducing the surface tension between oil and water. This allows the two to form a stable mixture (emulsion). It also helps create a light foam in cleansers and can improve the spreadability of lotions. Because it is non-ionic, it is less likely to irritate the skin compared to some other surfactants.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Poloxamine 1307 is non-ionic and has a low irritation profile, making it ideal for cleansers and products designed for sensitive or dry skin.
Improves formula stability
It helps keep oil and water mixed together, preventing your lotion or cleanser from separating and ensuring a consistent texture every time you use it.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic ingredient
It is made in a lab, which may be a turn-off for people who prefer naturally derived ingredients in their skincare.
Limited independent research
While safety data exists, there is less publicly available research on its long-term effects on skin compared to some traditional ingredients.
Best for
- People with sensitive or reactive skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Anyone using products that need stable oil-water mixtures, like lotions or serums
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid synthetic ingredients in their skincare routine
Usage tips
Safety summary
Poloxamine 1307 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low potential for skin irritation and is not known to be comedogenic. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have evaluated similar poloxamines and found them safe for topical use.
Research notes
Research on Poloxamine 1307 specifically is limited, but studies on related poloxamines indicate they are well-tolerated on skin and effective as mild surfactants. Most safety data comes from industry assessments and regulatory reviews.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. It is generally recognized as safe when used as directed.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Lotions, Serums
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic polymer, it may not be readily biodegradable. However, its low concentration in products means environmental impact is typically minimal.
Good to know
- Poloxamine 1307 is often used in combination with other surfactants to reduce overall irritation.
- It is also used in some medical and pharmaceutical applications due to its mildness.
Common questions
What is Poloxamine 1307 in beauty products?
Poloxamine 1307 is a man-made molecule that acts like a bridge between oil and water. In your skincare products, it helps ingredients that normally don't mix (like oil and water) blend together smoothly. This makes your cleansers foam gently without stripping your skin, and your lotions feel creamy and even. It's known for being very mild, so it's often used in products for sensitive skin.
What does Poloxamine 1307 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamine 1307 works by reducing the surface tension between oil and water. This allows the two to form a stable mixture (emulsion). It also helps create a light foam in cleansers and can improve the spreadability of lotions. Because it is non-ionic, it is less likely to irritate the skin compared to some other surfactants.
Is Poloxamine 1307 safe for most people?
Poloxamine 1307 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low potential for skin irritation and is not known to be comedogenic. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have evaluated similar poloxamines and found them safe for topical use.
Who should be careful with Poloxamine 1307?
Those who strictly avoid synthetic ingredients in their skincare routine
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.