Meroxapol 172 (inci)

Meroxapol as general INCI nomenclature, designates a series of block copolymers8en (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 172, this number is 172 monomers.

Meroxapol 172 is a substance used in cosmetic formulations. The copolymer acts as an emollient (changes the interfacial tension of liquids like water and oil so that they can be mixed together) and as a surfactant (washing-active substance).