Meroxapol 255 (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 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 255, this is 255 monomers.

Meroxapol 255 is a substance which 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). It has a cleansing effect on the body surface.