Meroxapol 105 (inci)

Meroxapol as general INCI nomenclature, designates a series of block copolymers (copolymers are polymers composed of 2 different monomer units)from the group of alkoxylates with the general formula: OH-[CH (CH3)2O]n-[CH2-CH2-O]m-[CH2CH(3)-O]n-H.

Meroxapol thus consists of a core with (m) polyethylene glycol (PEG) units. This core section is flanked by 2n polypropylene glycol units (PPG) (see figure) with 2 terminal hydroxy groups. This grouping is called a symmetrical block copolymer of the general type (PPG)n-(PEG)m-(PPG)n.

Each meroxapol(s) is given a number corresponding to the average number of monomer units; in the case of meroxapol 105, this is 105 monomers.

Meroxapol 105 is a substance used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as emulsifier (changes the interfacial tension of liquids like water and oil so that they can be mixed together) and as surfactant (washing-active substance).