What Is Poloxamer 235?
Poloxamer 235 is a man-made ingredient belonging to the poloxamer family of nonionic surfactants. Chemically, it is a block copolymer created by linking units of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in a specific pattern, which the short trade description “Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (27;39)” hints at. These repeating blocks give the molecule a water-loving end and an oil-loving end, allowing it to interact with both types of substances.
Poloxamers were first introduced in the 1950s when researchers looked for gentle yet effective cleansers for personal care. Over the decades formulators noticed that certain poloxamers, including Poloxamer 235, could remove dirt and oil without harshness and also help water mix with oils and waxes, making them valuable in modern cosmetic products.
The manufacturing process starts with propylene oxide, which forms the central hydrophobic block. Ethylene oxide is then added to each side to build the hydrophilic blocks. Controlling the length of these blocks determines the exact grade, in this case 235, and fine-tunes its balance between cleansing power and mildness.
You are most likely to find Poloxamer 235 in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, rinse-off masks, gentle shampoos and some leave-on lotions where a light, non-greasy feel is desired.
Poloxamer 235’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In topical products Poloxamer 235 offers a couple of key functions that improve both performance and user experience
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature breaks the bond between skin and unwanted oil, sweat or makeup so they can be rinsed away easily. Because it is nonionic it tends to be milder than traditional sulfate cleansers making it suitable for sensitive skin formulas.
- Emulsifying: The molecule’s dual affinity helps blend water with oils, silicones or waxes into stable emulsions. This keeps creams and lotions from separating and gives them a smooth, uniform texture without a heavy feel.
Who Can Use Poloxamer 235
Because it is a mild nonionic surfactant Poloxamer 235 suits almost every skin type. Oily, combination or normal skin tends to enjoy its effective yet gentle cleansing ability. Dry or very sensitive skin usually tolerates it too, though people with compromised skin barriers such as severe eczema may want to limit leave-on exposure as any surfactant can pull away needed lipids over time.
Poloxamer 235 is fully synthetic and produced without animal raw materials so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It is also commonly used in cruelty-free product lines.
No research has flagged Poloxamer 235 as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and it is allowed in rinse-off and leave-on products sold worldwide. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run their skincare routine past a qualified doctor just to be safe.
The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odorless and free of common allergens such as gluten or nuts which broadens its suitability for people with lifestyle or medical restrictions.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Poloxamer 235 differ from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects; most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as slight redness or itching
- Transient stinging on broken or freshly shaved skin
- Dryness or tightness if used in high amounts or without follow-up moisturizer
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as rash or swelling
- Eye irritation or watering if the product accidentally enters the eyes
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Poloxamer 235 is a large, water-soluble molecule that does not linger in pores or form an occlusive film, so it is not known to trigger blackheads or breakouts. Its primary role is to lift oil and debris then rinse away cleanly, which further lowers any chance of clogging. For these reasons most dermatology references place it at the very bottom of the comedogenic scale.
That means Poloxamer 235 is generally considered safe for acne-prone or congestion-prone skin.
Worth noting: as with any surfactant, over-cleansing can dehydrate skin which may indirectly prompt extra oil production in some individuals. Pairing it with a good moisturizer helps prevent this rebound effect.
Summary
Poloxamer 235 acts mainly as a gentle cleanser and an emulsifier. Its unique block-copolymer structure gives one end that loves water and another that loves oil, letting it grab onto grime and makeup while also holding mixed formulas together so creams stay smooth and stable. Although not as famous as ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, it quietly appears in many modern cleansers, micellar waters and lightweight lotions because it delivers reliable performance without irritation.
Current safety data show Poloxamer 235 to be low-risk for most people, with rare reports of mild irritation and virtually no evidence of pore clogging. As with any new skincare ingredient it is still smart to patch test a fresh product on a small area first to be sure your skin agrees with it.