A block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, used as an emulsifier and cleansing surfactant.
What it is
Poloxamer 101 is a block copolymer made of a central polypropylene oxide chain flanked by two polyethylene oxide chains; CosIng gives average values of about 2 ethylene oxide and 16 propylene oxide units. CosIng lists it as an emulsifying and cleansing surfactant.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of products, such as cleansers and makeup removers.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The unit numbers are averages; the material is a mixture of molecules with different chain lengths.
Functions
- Surfactant – emulsifying
- Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
- Surfactant – cleansing
- Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.