Poloxamer 238
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Pluronic 238
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (97;39)
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
Developed in the 1950s as a synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from polypropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. Used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to solubilize oils and improve product texture, with no traditional or historical use prior to modern chemistry.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR