Poloxamer 184 is a nonionic surfactant used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is known for its properties as a solubilizer, emulsifier, and stabilizer. This ingredient helps to dissolve and disperse other substances in formulations, contributing to the overall stability and effectiveness of the product.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Components:
Poloxamer 184: A block copolymer composed of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) blocks.
Structure:
Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁
Molecular Weight: Varies depending on the specific formulation and processing.
Structure: Consists of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) poly(ethylene oxide) block and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) poly(propylene oxide) block, arranged in a sequence that enables the formation of micelles in aqueous solutions.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Typically a white to off-white solid or a clear, viscous liquid.
Odor: Generally odorless or has a very mild odor.
Solubility: Soluble in water, forming clear solutions.
pH: Neutral or slightly acidic, depending on the formulation.

Production Process:

Synthesis: Poloxamer 184 is synthesized through the polymerization of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.
Formulation: The block copolymer is then formulated into various cosmetic products as a solubilizer, emulsifier, or stabilizer.

Applications:

Skin Care: Used in creams, lotions, and gels to improve the texture and stability of the product. It helps to solubilize active ingredients and enhances product performance.
Hair Care: Included in shampoos and conditioners to help with the even distribution of ingredients and improve texture.
Pharmaceuticals: Often used in pharmaceutical formulations as a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Generally considered safe for the environment when used in recommended quantities. It is biodegradable.
Safety: This ingredient is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. Individuals with specific sensitivities or allergies should consult with a healthcare provider before use.

INCI:


Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
Synonyms:

CAS: 2594628