Poloxamer 407 (Advanced Gelling Polymer)

Poloxamer 407

A multifunctional nonionic polymer used for solubilization, emulsification, viscosity modification, and temperature-responsive gel systems.

INCI Name: Poloxamer 407

CAS Number: 9003-11-6

Appearance: White, free-flowing powder

Solubility: Soluble or dispersible in water

Function: Solubilizer, nonionic surfactant, co-emulsifier, stabilizer, viscosity modifier, gelling agent

Poloxamer 407 is a versatile nonionic block copolymer valued for its ability to support clear, stable, and elegant cosmetic formulations. Its structure contains both water-loving and oil-compatible regions, allowing it to help solubilize poorly water-soluble materials, improve ingredient dispersion, and stabilize a wide range of aqueous and emulsion systems.

At lower use levels, Poloxamer 407 can function as a solubilizer, wetting agent, co-emulsifier, and formulation stabilizer. At higher concentrations, it can create smooth thermoreversible gel systems that remain more fluid when cool and increase in viscosity as the temperature rises. This distinctive behaviour makes it especially useful in cosmetic gels, treatment products, cleansing systems, scalp formulations, and advanced delivery bases.

Supplied as a cosmetic raw material for formulation use.

What It Does

Poloxamer 407 is an amphiphilic polymer, meaning that it contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections. In water, these sections can organize into micellar structures that help incorporate and distribute oil-soluble or poorly water-soluble ingredients throughout the formulation.

It is particularly valued for its temperature-responsive rheology. Concentrated aqueous solutions can remain relatively fluid during cold processing and develop a thicker gel structure as the temperature increases. This makes Poloxamer 407 useful for products that require convenient processing, smooth application, and a substantial gel texture at room or skin temperature.

Key Benefits

• Helps solubilize poorly water-soluble cosmetic ingredients.
• Functions as a mild, nonionic surfactant and wetting agent.
• Supports emulsion stability as a co-emulsifier.
• Creates smooth, clear-to-translucent gel systems.
• Provides temperature-responsive thickening at higher concentrations.
• Allows flexible hot or cold processing.
• Can improve spreadability and overall sensory feel.
• Compatible with many aqueous, surfactant, and topical systems.

Typical Use Levels

• 0.1–1.0% — Wetting, stabilization, and formulation support
• 1–5% — Solubilization, co-emulsification, and viscosity adjustment
• 15–25% — Concentrated thermoreversible gel systems

How to Incorporate

• Add gradually to water under steady mixing to prevent clumping.
• For high-concentration gels, the cold-processing method is often preferred.
• Chill the water phase before slowly dispersing the Poloxamer 407.
• Continue mixing until fully hydrated and uniform.
• Allow the mixture to rest under refrigeration if needed to complete dissolution.
• Heat-sensitive ingredients may be added after the polymer has fully hydrated.

Cold-Process Method

• Cool the required water to approximately 4–10°C.
• Slowly sprinkle Poloxamer 407 into the chilled water while mixing.
• Avoid adding the powder too quickly, as this can create stubborn clumps.
• Continue mixing until evenly dispersed.
• Refrigerate until the solution becomes clear and fully hydrated.
• Bring the formulation gradually to the desired temperature and complete the remaining phases.

Formulation Notes

• Gel strength and gelation temperature depend strongly on concentration.
• Electrolytes, solvents, surfactants, oils, and active ingredients may change the final viscosity and gelation behaviour.
• Higher concentrations generally produce stronger gels and lower gelation temperatures.
• Final clarity depends on the complete formulation and the materials being solubilized.
• Poloxamer 407 should not automatically be treated as the sole emulsifier in every emulsion system.
• Bench testing is essential when developing temperature-responsive products.

Common Applications

• Clear cosmetic gels
• Facial and body treatment gels
• Scalp serums and scalp gels
• Cooling and warming cosmetic products
• Cleansing gels
• Micellar and surfactant systems
• Gel emulsions
• Active delivery bases
• Professional cosmetic formulations

Poloxamer 407 is particularly useful when a formulation requires easy processing as a liquid and a stable gel structure during use, making it a valuable ingredient for advanced gel systems.

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Disclaimer

This material is supplied for cosmetic formulation use only. Users are responsible for determining suitability, compatibility, stability, performance, preservation requirements, and regulatory compliance within finished formulations.