Poloxamer 101

Poloxamer 101 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Pluronic 101, Poloxapropylene, Poloxathylene
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (2;16)
CAS #
9003-11-6
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Strengthens Barrier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Poloxamers are synthetic non-ionic copolymers developed in the 1950s by BASF chemists as alternatives to natural surfactants. Poloxamer 101 specifically was created to provide enhanced solubility and emulsifying properties in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR