Poloxamer

Poloxamer (CAS 9003-11-6), also known commercially as Pluronic, is a family of nonionic block copolymer surfactants; grades vary in molecular weight and ethylene oxide/propylene oxide ratio.

Where is Poloxamer used?

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: solubilizers and drug delivery excipients, enabling poorly water-soluble APIs in stable oral, topical, and injectable products
• Personal care: specific grades stabilize emulsions in creams, gels, and shampoos, contributing mild conditioning and moisturizing effects
• Industrial and institutional cleaning: low-foaming surfactants for spray and CIP systems where foam control is operationally critical
• Food-contact and nutraceutical applications draw on food-grade poloxamer for encapsulation and dispersion of active ingredients.
• Poloxamer 188 is used as an emulsifying agent in intravenous fat emulsions and as a solubilizing and stabilizing agent to maintain the clarity of elixirs and syrups.
• Poloxamer 184 is a high HLB emulsifier used in cleansing water formulas.

Good to know: Grade selection is a critical procurement decision, as different grades deliver distinct solubilization, emulsification, and wetting performance. Poloxamer 188 and Poloxamer 407 are among the most commercially traded grades.

Formulation notes

• Poloxamer 188 is effective at a working concentration of 0.1% in cell culture.
• The usage rate for Poloxamer 184 as an emulsifier is 0.1% to 10.0%.
• Poloxamer 407 is generally stable and compatible with a wide range of excipients, but formulation pH and ionic strength can affect its rheological behavior.
• Poloxamer 184 can be combined with Poloxamer 124 to increase the effectiveness of makeup removal from skin.

Typical specification

• Poloxamer 188 is available in a grade that meets the requirements of the current USP/NF family monograph "Poloxamer".
• Poloxamer 184 is supplied as a colorless or slightly yellowish liquid.

Regulatory status

• When requesting a quote, buyers should specify the required pharmacopoeia standard for Poloxamer 407, such as EP (Ph. Eur.), USP, JP, or BP.
• The label must state the Poloxamer number as part of the official title.
• Poloxamer 184 was classified as safe in the CIR report published in 2008.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Aqueous solutions of Poloxamer 407 exhibit temperature-dependent gelation, requiring controlled use and storage to maintain consistent viscosity.
• Poloxamer 188 should be stored cool and dry in a well-sealed container.

Frequently asked questions about Poloxamer

Is Poloxamer compatible with standard process equipment?

Poloxamer is anhydrous and non-corrosive, so it can be used for mild steel, storage tanks, pipes, and conventional process equipment.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.