Ingredient review
Poloxamine 707
INCI: Poloxamine 707
Poloxamine 707 is a mild synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
In plain English
Poloxamine 707 is a man-made ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's used in cleansers and shampoos to create a gentle foam that cleans without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Think of it as a helper that lifts away makeup, excess oil, and impurities while being kind to your skin's natural barrier.
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 707 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 707.
- 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 707 is a synthetic block copolymer, part of the poloxamine family, designed to act as a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier. It is created by reacting ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with ethylenediamine, resulting in a molecule that can both attract water and interact with oils.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamine 707 reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend temporarily. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin or hair so they can be washed away with water. Its mild nature means it cleans effectively without disrupting the skin's moisture barrier as much as harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Poloxamine 707 is known for its low irritation potential, making it a great choice for sensitive or reactive skin types that struggle with harsher cleansers.
Effective yet mild cleansing
It lifts dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, helping maintain a healthy, balanced complexion.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic ingredient
As a man-made polymer, it may not appeal to consumers seeking exclusively natural or organic formulations.
Limited heavy-duty cleansing
While good for daily cleansing, it may not fully remove long-wear or waterproof makeup on its own, often requiring a double-cleanse step.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin who find traditional foaming cleansers too harsh
- Anyone looking for a mild, everyday facial cleanser
Use caution if
- Those who prefer 100% natural or plant-based ingredients only
- Individuals with known allergies to synthetic polymers (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Poloxamine 707 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic rating, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.
Research notes
Research on poloxamines, including Poloxamine 707, indicates they are effective, low-irritation surfactants. Studies show they have good biocompatibility and are used in medical and pharmaceutical applications. However, specific cosmetic-focused research is limited compared to more common surfactants.
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, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Poloxamine 707 is biodegradable, but as a synthetic polymer, its long-term environmental impact is less studied than plant-based alternatives.
Good to know
- Poloxamine 707 is also used in some contact lens solutions and pharmaceutical formulations due to its mildness and biocompatibility.
- It is biodegradable under standard wastewater treatment conditions.
Common questions
What is Poloxamine 707 in beauty products?
Poloxamine 707 is a man-made ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's used in cleansers and shampoos to create a gentle foam that cleans without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Think of it as a helper that lifts away makeup, excess oil, and impurities while being kind to your skin's natural barrier.
What does Poloxamine 707 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Poloxamine 707 reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend temporarily. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin or hair so they can be washed away with water. Its mild nature means it cleans effectively without disrupting the skin's moisture barrier as much as harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Is Poloxamine 707 safe for most people?
Poloxamine 707 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic rating, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.
Who should be careful with Poloxamine 707?
Those who prefer 100% natural or plant-based ingredients only Individuals with known allergies to synthetic polymers (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.