murphyNonoxynol-12
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Surfactant
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and nonylphenol, both petroleum-based synthetic chemicals. Synthesized through ethoxylation, adding ethylene oxide chains to nonylphenol molecules.
Nonoxynol-12 Iodine is a complex of Nonoxynol-12 and iodine
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Fights Bacteria
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 212 and 695)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / reactions slight to mild (CIR 212 and 695)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.42%
Rinse-off8.33%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR