Poloxamer 188 (inci)

Poloxamers" are low-foaming and foam-absorbing, non-ionic surfactant block polymers composed of polyethylene oxides and polypropylene oxides. Poloxamers are used for dispersion and emulsification in cosmetics (also in the chemical-technical industry and medicine). The polyethylene oxide part of the polymer is water-soluble, whereas the polypropylene oxide part is not, so that this results in the special amphiphilic properties of the compounds.

Poloxamer 188 is a white waxy powder which is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as an emulsifier (surface-active substance which is used in cosmetic products as an auxiliary agent to combine two immiscible liquids - e.g. oil and water - into one emulsion) and as a surfactant (washing-active substance; improves the even distribution of the products during application).

1. Ammon HPT et al (2014) Hunnius Pharmaceutical Dictionary 11th Edition Walter de Gruyter Berlin-New York p. 1431
2. v. Bruchhagen F et al (1994) Hager's Handbook of Pharmaceutical Practice. Springer Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York p 283-284