For children 5 years and older (kids, school-age children, preteens), poloxamer 407 used on the skin is usually low risk. It’s a mild cleaning ingredient used in wipes, shampoos and lotions and rarely causes problems at the amounts normally used.
Pick products made for children or everyday use and follow the product directions. Don’t put products containing this ingredient on open cuts or very red, broken skin. If your child has sensitive skin, do a small patch test on the arm first. If any rash, redness, swelling or breathing trouble happens, stop use and seek medical help.
Some government and industry reviews (for example Environment Canada and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review) note limited safety data, possible concerns about environmental persistence, and some non-reproductive organ toxicity findings — these are the reasons to be cautious even though direct skin risks for kids are low. Also note that some product verification programs restrict use of this ingredient unless manufacturers provide safety data. Watch for signs of local skin reaction (redness, itching, rash), eye irritation if used near the eyes, and any unusual symptoms after use; if those appear, stop use and consult your child’s clinician.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Poloxamer 407 safety and effects.
Yes, Poloxamer 407 is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.
Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.
Possible negative effects on the environment
Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.
Poloxamer 407 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product