What Is Poloxamine 707?
Poloxamine 707 is a synthetic ingredient made by linking blocks of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide onto a central nitrogen-containing backbone. The result is a water-soluble waxy material that can mix with both oil and water. First studied in the 1960s for its ability to help oil and water stay blended, it soon found a place in personal care labs looking for gentler surfactants than traditional soaps. Making Poloxamine 707 starts with reacting propylene oxide with a starter molecule that has four arms, then adding ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. Each step is carefully monitored to keep the final product free of unwanted residues. Today you will most often spot it in face cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, lightweight moisturizers, sheet masks, hair conditioners and even some sensitive-skin baby washes, where it helps formulas feel mild yet effective.
Poloxamine 707’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for Poloxamine 707 because it brings two key technical benefits that improve how a product looks, feels and performs.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant character lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and makeup lift away with minimal rubbing. This leads to gentle cleansers that rinse clean without leaving a tight or squeaky feel.
- Emulsifying: By sitting at the border between oil and water, it keeps creams and lotions from separating. This gives products a smooth, even texture and helps active ingredients stay evenly dispersed from the first pump to the last.
Who Can Use Poloxamine 707
Because it is a mild nonionic surfactant, Poloxamine 707 is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. It has a low tendency to clog pores so acne-prone users can usually incorporate it without worry. No specific skin type is considered unsuitable, though people with very compromised or broken skin should watch for any cleansing ingredient that might sting.
Poloxamine 707 is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived components, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no reproductive or developmental concerns at the trace levels absorbed through the skin, so products with Poloxamine 707 are not expected to pose a risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; pregnant or nursing individuals should review any skincare product with their doctor to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not considered photosensitising. It also plays well with other common cosmetic ingredients and does not interfere with actives like retinol or vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Poloxamine 707 vary from person to person. The following list covers potential—but uncommon—reactions when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels in a properly formulated product.
- Mild transient stinging or redness, especially if the product gets into the eyes
- Dryness or a tight after-feel when used in high-foam cleansers that lack added moisturisers
- Temporary irritation on already inflamed or eczematous skin
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Poloxamine 707 is highly water soluble and rinses off cleanly, leaving little to no residue that could block pores. It does not contain heavy oils or waxes and its molecular structure keeps it from sitting in the follicle. For these reasons formulators consider it practically non-comedogenic, though a very small chance of pore clogging can never be ruled out for every single person.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
No special interactions with common acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid have been reported.
Summary
Poloxamine 707 works as a gentle cleanser and an emulsifier. Its surfactant side loosens dirt and makeup so they rinse away easily while its ability to sit at the interface of oil and water keeps creams, lotions and micellar waters smooth and stable. The ingredient is not a blockbuster trend but it enjoys steady use behind the scenes in face washes, makeup removers, lightweight lotions and baby care because it delivers mildness without complicating a formula.
Overall safety data rate Poloxamine 707 as low risk for irritation, sensitisation or systemic toxicity. Still, everyone’s skin is different so it is smart to patch test any new product that features this ingredient.