Nonoxynol-14

AKA: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Surfactant
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and nonylphenol, both petroleum-derived synthetic chemicals. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide chains are added to nonylphenol through catalytic reaction.
Nonoxynol-14 is a cosmetic ingredient. Rated moderate hazard by EWG. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️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
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR