Common Name(s): Nonyl nonoxynol-5,nonoxynol derivative c9,nonylated nonylphenol ethoxylate-5
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps oil and water mix in formulations and assists with wetting and spreading of product ingredients.
Why It's Used: The combination of a nonyl group and nonoxynol backbone provides specialty emulsifying action used in certain cosmetic and industrial emulsion systems.
How It Works: 5 eo units provide moderate hydrophilicity (hlb ~8โ10); the dual hydrophobic chains (nonyl + nonylphenol) provide strong oil-phase anchoring, creating stable emulsions.
Typically Found In: Specialty emulsions,industrial formulations,o/w emulsion systems
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ surfactant
Secondary Functions: Emulsifying,solubilizing
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthesized by alkylation and ethoxylation of nonylphenol; petrochemical origin. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: status downgraded on audit. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 โ low-moderate
Comedogenicity Rating: 2/5 โ low-moderate
Sensitivity Concerns: Nonoxynol-family derivatives carry mild endocrine concern at high doses; declining use in modern cosmetics. prefer in rinse-off formulations.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional โ prefer in rinse-off products
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Moderate safety profile. cir reviewed related nonoxynol family: safe when formulated to be non-irritating. ewg score: 3โ5 for nonoxynol family.
Works Well With: Other nonionic surfactants,anionic surfactants
Avoid Combining With: Strong oxidizers
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Nonyl nonoxynols are structural variants of traditional nonoxynols (nonylphenol + eo), with an additional nonyl branch on the phenol ring. declining use due to potential environmental persistence concerns with alkylphenol ethoxylates (apes).
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir nonoxynols safety assessment 2015,inci dictionary