Usage Calculation and Concentration of Poloxamer 407 Thermoreversible Gel
Question
I have a question regarding the usage rates of these two ingredients:
Poloxamer 407 Thermoreversible Gel (19% in water): Recommended usage 50-100%Poloxamer 407(Powder): Recommended usage 0-5%
If I use Poloxamer 407 Thermoreversible Gel (19% in water) at 50%, does that mean I am effectively using Poloxamer 407 powder at 9.5%? Also, is it acceptable to use a concentration that exceeds the limit specified for the powder form?
Answer
Your calculation is correct. If you use Poloxamer 407 Thermoreversible Gel (19% in water) at 50% in your formula, the final concentration of pure Poloxamer 407 will be 9.5% ($50\% \times 19\% = 9.5\%$).
Regarding your concern about exceeding the recommended usage rate of the powder form, here is the explanation:
1. Different Purposes of Use
- Poloxamer 407 Powder (Recommended 0.1-5%): This is typically used as a solubilizer or emulsifier to help mix oils or fragrances into water-based formulas. In this role, a small amount is sufficient.
- Poloxamer 407 Thermoreversible Gel (Recommended 50-100%): This product is designed to be used as a gel base. The unique "thermoreversible" property (liquid when cold, gel when warm) only occurs when the concentration of Poloxamer 407 is high enough, usually around 15-20%.
2. Is 9.5% Concentration Acceptable?
- Safety: Yes, it is safe. Poloxamer 407 is a gentle, non-irritating polymer often used in high concentrations in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
- Performance (Gelling): While safe, using it at 50% (resulting in 9.5% active content) will significantly weaken the gelling property. At this concentration, it may not turn into a firm gel at body temperature and might remain a viscous liquid instead.
Summary:
- If you want a firm thermoreversible gel, it is recommended to use the gel base at 80-100%.
- If you only need it for solubilization or texture, using it at 50% (9.5% active) is perfectly fine and safe.
Follow-up Replies
Question:
I have questions regarding the usage rates and applications of the following ingredients:
Poloxamer 407 Thermoreversible Gel (19% in water)(Recommended usage: 50-100%)Poloxamer 407(Powder) (Recommended usage: 0-5%)
- If I use
Poloxamer 407 Thermoreversible Gel (19% in water)at 50%, does that effectively mean I am usingPoloxamer 407powder at 9.5%? - Is it acceptable to use a concentration that exceeds the recommended limit specified for the powder form?
- Can these ingredients be used in oral care products, such as mouthwash or toothpaste?
Answer:
Yes, Poloxamer 407 can be used in oral care formulations, such as mouthwash and toothpaste.
Usage in Oral Care:
- Function: It acts as an effective solubilizer for essential oils and flavors, and it also functions as a mild surfactant to help with cleaning without causing irritation to the oral mucosa.
- Poloxamer 407 (Powder): This is a 100% pure form and is very commonly used in oral care products.
- Poloxamer 407 Thermoreversible Gel (19% in water): This can also be used; however, please note that this pre-mixed gel contains preservatives (Phenoxyethanol and Chlorphenesin). While these are common in many cosmetic and some oral care products, you should ensure they align with your specific formulation requirements for oral use.
Recommendation:
If you are creating a product that will be ingested or used extensively in the mouth, the powder form is often preferred as it allows you to control the preservative system yourself. If it is a rinse-off product like a mouthwash, both forms are generally acceptable.
Relevant products:
- Poloxamer 407 (Powder)
- Poloxamer 407 Thermoreversible Gel (19% in water)
