Poloxamer 188

AKA: Pluronic F68

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Clean

Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (75;30)

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.

Cleansing Surfactant

Emulsifier

Antioxidant Protection

Locks In Moisture

Reduces Inflammation

Removes Impurities

Mixes Oil & Water

Traditional Use

One of the most widely used poloxamers, developed in the 1950s. Functions as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer in skincare, haircare, and makeup products.

EWG

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

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

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