Ingredient review
Poloxamine 904
INCI: Poloxamine 904
Poloxamine 904 is a gentle synthetic ingredient that helps cleansers and makeup removers work effectively without stripping the skin.
In plain English
Poloxamine 904 is a man-made molecule that acts like a bridge between water and oil. In skincare, it helps cleansers and makeup removers lift away dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving a greasy residue. It is known for being very mild and less likely to cause irritation compared to harsher cleansing agents.
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 904 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 904.
- 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 904 is a synthetic block copolymer, meaning it is a large molecule made from repeating units of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. It belongs to the poloxamine family, which are non-ionic surfactants often used in personal care products for their gentle cleansing and emulsifying properties.
How it works
Poloxamine 904 works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix temporarily. When used in a cleanser, it helps surround and lift away oily impurities from the skin so they can be rinsed off with water. Its mild nature means it cleans without disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier as much as stronger detergents.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Poloxamine 904 is known for its low irritation potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin types when used in appropriate concentrations.
Effective at removing oil
It helps dissolve and lift away excess oil and makeup without leaving a heavy residue, leaving skin feeling clean but not tight.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic ingredient
It is man-made, which may be a drawback for those seeking natural or plant-based skincare products.
Can feel slippery
Some users find that products with poloxamine 904 leave a slightly slippery feel on the skin that requires thorough rinsing.
Best for
- People with normal to combination skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Those who wear light makeup and want a gentle makeup remover
Use caution if
- People who strictly avoid synthetic ingredients
- Those with very dry or compromised skin may prefer a non-foaming cleanser
Usage tips
Safety summary
Poloxamine 904 has a strong safety record in cosmetics. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use levels. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar poloxamines and found them safe for use in rinse-off products.
Research notes
Research on poloxamine 904 specifically is limited, but the broader class of poloxamines has been studied for their mildness and low toxicity. They are widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications due to their biocompatibility.
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 in rinse-off products.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Poloxamine 904 is biodegradable, but as a synthetic compound, its production relies on petrochemicals. Its environmental impact is considered low compared to some other synthetic surfactants.
Good to know
- Poloxamine 904 is often used in combination with other surfactants to create a balanced cleansing formula.
- It is considered biodegradable and has a good safety profile in rinse-off products.
Common questions
What is Poloxamine 904 in beauty products?
Poloxamine 904 is a man-made molecule that acts like a bridge between water and oil. In skincare, it helps cleansers and makeup removers lift away dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving a greasy residue. It is known for being very mild and less likely to cause irritation compared to harsher cleansing agents.
What does Poloxamine 904 do in a beauty product?
Poloxamine 904 works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix temporarily. When used in a cleanser, it helps surround and lift away oily impurities from the skin so they can be rinsed off with water. Its mild nature means it cleans without disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier as much as stronger detergents.
Is Poloxamine 904 safe for most people?
Poloxamine 904 has a strong safety record in cosmetics. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use levels. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar poloxamines and found them safe for use in rinse-off products.
Who should be careful with Poloxamine 904?
People who strictly avoid synthetic ingredients Those with very dry or compromised skin may prefer a non-foaming cleanser
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.