A block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, used as an emulsifier and cleansing agent.
What it is
Poloxamer 401 is a block copolymer with a central polypropylene glycol block flanked by two short polyethylene glycol blocks; according to CosIng, the average ratio is about 6 ethylene oxide units per block to 67 propylene oxide units. CosIng lists it as an emulsifying and cleansing surfactant.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
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 INCI name does not show the molecular weight of the polymer or the proportion of each monomer.
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.