Skip to content

Surfactant

NONOXYNOL-9

CAS 14409-72-4; 26027-38-3(generic); 26571-11-9; 37205-87-1(generic); 68412-54-4; 9016-45-9(generic)
22

Safety score · 0–100

Caution

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

A nonionic ethoxylated nonylphenol surfactant. Strong cleanser but flagged for serious eye damage, skin irritation, mucosal toxicity and aquatic toxicity. Largely phased out of modern cosmetics.

Function

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYINGSURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Skin benefits

  • Strong nonionic surfactant
  • Effective spermicide in non-cosmetic use
  • Cleansing and emulsifying capacity

Known concerns

  • H318 causes serious eye damage
  • H315 causes skin irritation
  • H302 harmful if swallowed
  • H411 toxic to aquatic life
  • Documented mucosal damage and HIV-transmission risk in spermicidal use

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry: regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

Related surfactants

22
DEA-C12-13 ALKYL SULFATE
Surfactant
 22
DEA-LINOLEATE
Surfactant
 22
OLEAMIDE DEA
Surfactant
 22
SODIUM CAPRYLYL SULFONATE
Surfactant
 22
TALLOWAMIDE DEA
Surfactant
 20
COCAMIDE DEA
Surfactant
 20
DIETHYLAMINE LAURETH SULFATE
Surfactant
 20
PERFLUORONONYLETHYL CARBOXYDECYL PEG-10 DIMETHICONE
Surfactant

Check your shelf

Find NONOXYNOL-9 in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains NONOXYNOL-9 and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.

This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.