Nonoxynol-11

AKA: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Surfactant

Synthetic

Cleanser

Not Clean

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(dinonylphenyl)-.omega.-hydroxy-, phosphate (11 mol EO average molar ratio)

CAS #

39464-64-7

Form

Liquid

Functions

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Removes Impurities

Traditional Use

A synthetic non-ionic surfactant developed in the mid-20th century. Used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and solubilizer in various skincare and cleansing formulations.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Caution

CIR Safety Findings

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Moderate Irritant

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

CANADA✔ permitted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Caution

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory0 listings

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR