Nonoxynol-9
A cosmetic ingredient used as surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Nonoxynol-9 is the ethoxylated alkyl phenol that conforms generally to the formula: (structure) where n has an average value of 9.
What does it do?
Nonoxynol-9 is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
EU regulatory status
Nonoxynol-9 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nonoxynol-9?
Nonoxynol-9 is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Nonoxynol-9 is the ethoxylated alkyl phenol that conforms generally to the formula: (structure) where n has an average value of 9.
Is Nonoxynol-9 allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Nonoxynol-9 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Nonoxynol-9 do in cosmetic products?
Nonoxynol-9 is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Nonoxynol-9?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Nonoxynol-9 is 14409-72-4, 26027-38-3(generic), 26571-11-9, 37205-87-1(generic), 68412-54-4, 9016-45-9(generic).
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 04/03/2019