Poloxamer 188

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Poloxamer 188?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Poloxamer 188 is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, Poloxamer 188 is very low risk when used in creams, gels or cleansers at normal concentrations. It is commonly used and not linked to major health problems in adults.

What to Do

Use products as directed. If you have sensitive skin, do a small patch test before widespread use. Avoid applying to broken or irritated skin. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious health condition, check with your healthcare provider. Prefer products from reputable brands that list ingredients clearly and follow concentration guidance from safety reviews.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation or allergic reaction (industry safety reviews/Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some reviews note data gaps and that safety depends on concentration and product type (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Government assessments flagged possible environmental persistence and potential for non-reproductive organ toxicity (Environment Canada). Also note it is used in some food applications, so there can be multiple sources of exposure (U.S. FDA). Avoid using large amounts or using frequently on broken skin, and stop use and consult a doctor if you develop redness, severe itch, swelling, or other concerning symptoms.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: A government assessment found this ingredient is “expected to be toxic or harmful” to non-reproductive organs and gave it a medium human-health priority. That means repeated or high exposures could harm organs such as the liver or kidneys.
Builds Up: A regulatory review flagged the ingredient as persistent and potentially bioaccumulative with moderate toxicity concern. This means the chemical can stay in the body or environment and build up over time.
Environmental: The same government review listed this substance as a suspected environmental toxin, indicating it may harm aquatic life or other wildlife if released into the environment.
Long-Term Risk: Industry reviewers note data gaps and that safety assessments relied on related chemicals and on reported use levels rather than full data. Paired with persistence and organ-toxicity flags from regulators, this raises concern for possible health effects after long-term or repeated use.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Poloxamer 188

This ingredient may also be listed as:

poloxamer 188UNII-68T8I45V23CHEBI:3202652901V8XARJP0CK963E0.ALPHA.-HYDRO-.OMEGA.-HYDROXYPOLY(OXYETHYLENE)POLY(OXYPROPYLENE)POLY(OXYETHYLENE) BLOCK COPOLYMER199SZS8E2QTVM 37075-H-14001AZW43116LMST-188

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Common Questions About Poloxamer 188

Is this safe for adults to use Poloxamer 188?

Yes, Poloxamer 188 is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Poloxamer 188 for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the builds up risks of Poloxamer 188 for adults?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use.

What are the environmental risks of Poloxamer 188 for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What are the long-term risk risks of Poloxamer 188 for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Poloxamer 188?

Poloxamer 188 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Poloxamer 188?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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