What Is Poloxamer 335?
Poloxamer 335 is a synthetic, nonionic polymer created by combining two familiar building blocks: ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Chemists arrange these blocks in a repeating pattern that gives the ingredient a water-loving exterior and an oil-loving center, allowing it to interact with both oil and water. First developed in the mid 20th century for its gentle surfactant properties, it moved into skin and hair care when formulators discovered it could cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural barrier.
The manufacturing process starts with a small propylene glycol core. Propylene oxide is added to form the central oil-friendly section, then ethylene oxide is added to create the water-soluble ends. Careful control of temperature and pressure lets producers hit the specific chain length that earns the number 335. After polymerization, the material is purified, dried and milled into a fine solid that dissolves quickly in water.
Thanks to its mild action and flexible nature, Poloxamer 335 pops up in facial cleansers, eye makeup removers, micellar waters, gel masks, hydrating serums, shampoos, body washes and even deodorant sticks where smooth glide is important.
Poloxamer 335’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking polymer offers two main functions that improve the feel and performance of everyday products.
- Cleansing: The molecule’s balanced structure lifts away excess oil, sunscreen, pollution and makeup while rinsing off easily. It produces a soft, low-irritation foam that makes it popular for sensitive skin formulas and baby washes.
- Emulsifying: By sitting at the border between oil and water, Poloxamer 335 keeps creams, lotions and gels from splitting. This stability means a smoother texture, longer shelf life and consistent delivery of actives with every use.
Who Can Use Poloxamer 335
Because Poloxamer 335 is nonionic and mild it tends to suit most skin types, including oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. It does not clog pores or leave a greasy film so acne-prone users usually tolerate it well. There are no known skin types that must avoid it, though anyone with a confirmed allergy to poloxamers in general should steer clear.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and does not rely on animal-derived feedstocks, so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Most suppliers also certify it as cruelty free.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women can generally use products containing Poloxamer 335 because it stays on the surface of the skin and is not known to penetrate or interfere with hormones. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all skincare choices past a qualified healthcare professional.
Poloxamer 335 is not photoactive and does not increase sensitivity to the sun, so it pairs well with daytime products. It also rinses cleanly which helps reduce the risk of product buildup on scalp or skin.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Poloxamer 335 can vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, but these outcomes are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation in people with extremely reactive skin
- Transient eye stinging if a cleanser containing it is not rinsed out of the eyes completely
- Contact dermatitis in the rare case of a true sensitivity to poloxamers
If you notice redness, itching or any other unexpected reaction while using a product that contains Poloxamer 335 stop using it immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Poloxamer 335 earns a comedogenic rating of 0. Its large, water-soluble structure sits on the surface of skin and rinses away without leaving an occlusive film, so it does not trap oil or dead cells in pores. Because of this low risk of clogging, the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
Worth noting: its gentle cleansing action can actually help keep pores clear by lifting away excess sebum and debris that might otherwise contribute to blackheads.
Summary
Poloxamer 335 is valued in cosmetics for two key jobs: it cleanses by loosening and suspending oil and dirt in water, and it stabilizes formulas by keeping oil and water phases mixed. The unique block structure of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide lets it perform both tasks while staying mild on skin.
The ingredient shows up most often in micellar waters, eye makeup removers and sensitive skin cleansers, though it is less of a household name than classic surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate. Formulators appreciate its versatility and gentle profile so its presence is steady even if not widely advertised on the front label.
Safety data and long-standing use point to a very low irritation risk. Still, individual sensitivities vary so it is wise to patch test any new product containing Poloxamer 335 before full use.