What Is Poloxamine 1307?
Poloxamine 1307 is a synthetic, non ionic surfactant made by linking units of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide onto a central ethylenediamine core. The result is a block copolymer that is both water loving and oil loving, which lets it mix things that normally do not blend well. First introduced in the 1960s as part of a wider family called poloxamines, it quickly moved from industrial cleaners into personal care when formulators saw how gently it could lift dirt and oil. Production involves controlled polymerization of the two oxides around the ethylenediamine, followed by purification and drying to create a fine, free flowing powder or thick liquid.
Today you will spot Poloxamine 1307 in facial cleansers, makeup removers, micellar waters, body washes, shampoos, moisturizers, creams, lotions and even wipe solutions. Its ability to stabilize mixtures and leave skin feeling clean but not stripped makes it a go to helper in many everyday formulas.
Poloxamine 1307’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for Poloxamine 1307 because it delivers two key jobs that improve both product performance and user experience.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lowers the surface tension of water so oils, sweat and makeup lift away more easily. This means a gentle yet effective clean that reduces the need for harsh scrubbing.
- Emulsifying: By holding oils and water together it keeps creams and lotions smooth and stable, preventing separation over time and ensuring every pump or scoop feels the same from first use to last.
Who Can Use Poloxamine 1307
Because it is a mild non ionic surfactant, Poloxamine 1307 tends to agree with most skin types including oily, dry, normal and combination. Its low irritation profile also makes it a good pick for sensitive skin that often reacts to harsher detergents. There are no specific skin types that must avoid it unless an individual has a known allergy to the ingredient.
The compound is produced entirely from petrochemical feedstocks and contains no animal derived materials, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Animal testing policies can vary by brand, so users who follow cruelty free standards should confirm a finished product’s stance on that point.
Current safety data does not flag Poloxamine 1307 as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Nonetheless this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any personal care product to a qualified healthcare professional before use.
The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. As always daily sunscreen use is recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Poloxamine 1307 vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Transient stinging on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to the ingredient
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness when used in high concentrations or combined with other stripping surfactants
If any irritation or discomfort occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low). Poloxamine 1307 is a large, highly water soluble molecule that rinses away without leaving an oily film on the skin. It does not sit inside pores or create the kind of occlusive layer that encourages blackheads or pimples, which is why formulators classify it as practically non comedogenic. This makes it a safe choice for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts. Only in unusually high concentrations or when paired with heavy oils would it have any chance of contributing to congestion.
Summary
Poloxamine 1307 is valued for two main jobs: it cleans by lowering water’s surface tension so dirt and makeup lift away easily, and it emulsifies by holding water and oil together to keep creams and cleansers stable. Thanks to its balanced water loving and oil loving blocks, it performs these roles gently without stripping skin.
While not a headline grabbing ingredient, it quietly appears in many facial cleansers, micellar waters and lightweight lotions where a mild non ionic surfactant is needed. Its track record for low irritation and almost zero comedogenicity has earned it steady popularity among formulators who cater to sensitive or acne prone skin.
Current safety data shows no major red flags for topical use, though as with any new product it is wise to do a small patch test first to rule out personal sensitivities.