Allowed in EU

Nonoxynol/nonyl Nonoxynol-49

A cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

Nonoxynol/Nonyl Nonoxynol-49 is the reaction product of a mixture of branched-chain nonyl and dinonyl phenol with an average of 49 moles of ethylene oxide.

What does it do?

Nonoxynol/nonyl Nonoxynol-49 is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Cleansing

    helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other contaminants from skin or hair

  • Surfactant - cleansing

    surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes

  • Surfactant - emulsifying

    surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate

  • Surfactant - foam boosting

    surfactant that increases the volume or stability of foam produced by other surfactants in the same formulation

EU regulatory status

Nonoxynol/nonyl Nonoxynol-49 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/nonyl Nonoxynol-49?

Nonoxynol/nonyl Nonoxynol-49 is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Nonoxynol/Nonyl Nonoxynol-49 is the reaction product of a mixture of branched-chain nonyl and dinonyl phenol with an average of 49 moles of ethylene oxide.

Is Nonoxynol/nonyl Nonoxynol-49 allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Nonoxynol/nonyl Nonoxynol-49 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Nonoxynol/nonyl Nonoxynol-49 do in cosmetic products?

Nonoxynol/nonyl Nonoxynol-49 is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: cleansing, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying, surfactant - foam boosting.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 18/08/2016