Meroxapol 312 (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 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 312, this number is 312 monomers.

Meroxapol 312 is a substance that is 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).