Poloxamer 402

Poloxamer 402 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Pluronic 402, Polyoxypropylene Polyoxyethylene Block Copolymer
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (13;67)
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 for cosmetic formulations. Used to emulsify and solubilize ingredients in skincare products without any traditional or pre-modern applications.
EWG
4
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-reviewednone on file
⚖️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