murphyC9-11 Pareth-8
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Nonionic Surfactant
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm oil fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide as starting materials. Synthesized through ethoxylation, wherein ethylene oxide is added to C9-11 fatty alcohols to create the polyethylene glycol ether.
Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated (8 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
68439-46-3
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 581)
Skin Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 581)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.3%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2012
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR