Octoxynol-8
A cosmetic ingredient used as surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-.omega.-hydroxy- (8 mol EO average molar ratio)
What does it do?
Octoxynol-8 is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
-
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
EU regulatory status
Octoxynol-8 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 Octoxynol-8?
Octoxynol-8 is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-.omega.-hydroxy- (8 mol EO average molar ratio)
Is Octoxynol-8 allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Octoxynol-8 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Octoxynol-8 do in cosmetic products?
Octoxynol-8 is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Octoxynol-8?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Octoxynol-8 is 9002-93-1.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010