Poloxamine 1304: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Poloxamine 1304?

Poloxamine 1304 is a synthetic ingredient that belongs to a family of block copolymers often called poloxamines or Tetronics. Chemically it is built around an ethylenediamine core that holds four arms made of alternating blocks of polypropylene oxide and polyethylene oxide. The balance of the water-loving polyethylene segments with the oil-loving polypropylene segments is what gives the material its special surface activity.

Unlike plant-derived ingredients, Poloxamine 1304 is made from petrochemical feedstocks. Manufacturers start with ethylenediamine then add controlled amounts of propylene oxide to form the hydrophobic sections. Ethylene oxide is added next to create the hydrophilic chains. Careful control of temperature, pressure and reaction time determines the final molecular weight and performance profile. Once the polymer is built it is purified, dried and milled into a free-flowing powder or flakes ready for cosmetic labs.

The first poloxamines were introduced in the 1960s as industrial surfactants. Their ability to mix oil and water soon caught the attention of personal care chemists who needed reliable emulsifiers that remain gentle on skin. Today Poloxamine 1304 can be found in moisturizers, facial masks, makeup removers, sunscreens, lightweight serums, aftershaves and some leave-on hair conditioners where its high-performance emulsifying action helps keep formulas stable and pleasant to use.

Poloxamine 1304’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin and hair care products Poloxamine 1304 serves a single but vital purpose: emulsifying. By positioning its water-friendly and oil-friendly segments at the interface of oil and water, the polymer lowers surface tension so droplets stay finely dispersed. This results in creams and lotions that look uniform, feel smooth and remain stable over time. A well-emulsified formula spreads more easily, delivers actives evenly and resists separation in hot bathrooms or chilly delivery trucks, helping brands maintain consistent quality from factory to vanity shelf.

Who Can Use Poloxamine 1304

Thanks to its gentle profile, Poloxamine 1304 is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. It does not clog pores or leave a heavy residue, making it a comfortable choice for acne-prone complexions as well.

The polymer is manufactured from petrochemical raw materials and contains no animal-derived substances, so products using it are suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

No data suggest that Poloxamine 1304 poses special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when applied topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products to a routine just to be safe.

Poloxamine 1304 is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with common cosmetic actives such as retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids, meaning you can usually layer it without concern.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Poloxamine 1304 vary among individuals. The issues listed below are possible but uncommon, and most users will not notice any of them when the ingredient is formulated correctly.

  • Mild skin irritation
  • Transient redness or warmth shortly after application
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis in people already sensitized to similar synthetic surfactants

If you experience persistent irritation or any unusual reaction while using a product that contains Poloxamine 1304 stop using it and consult a qualified medical professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Poloxamine 1304 has a comedogenic rating of 0. It is a large, water-soluble polymer that does not leave an occlusive film on skin and is washed away easily with normal cleansing, which means it is unlikely to block pores or foster the buildup of sebum and dead cells that can trigger breakouts. Formulators typically use it at low concentrations purely to stabilize emulsions rather than to add richness, so it does not contribute extra oil to a formula. Because of these traits, Poloxamine 1304 is considered suitable for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin. Only if a product pairs it with heavier oils or waxes might overall pore-clogging potential rise, but in those cases the other ingredients would be the bigger concern.

Summary

Poloxamine 1304 is a synthetic block copolymer used in skincare and haircare as an emulsifier. By arranging its water-loving polyethylene oxide segments alongside oil-loving polypropylene oxide segments, it nests at the oil-water boundary, lowers surface tension and keeps creams, lotions and serums from separating. This technical yet gentle action lets brands create light, stable textures that spread evenly and feel pleasant.

The ingredient is not a household name like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, but it quietly appears in a fair number of modern formulas where reliable emulsification is needed without adding greasiness. Its safety profile is strong, with low irritation risk and no real comedogenic concern when used as directed. As with any new cosmetic, doing a small patch test first is a smart step to confirm personal compatibility.

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