Nonoxynol-15

AKA: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Surfactant

Synthetic

Cleanser

Not Clean

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(dinonylphenyl)-.omega.-hydroxy-, phosphates (15 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.

Cleansing

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

Removes Impurities

Cleansing Surfactant

Traditional Use

A synthetic non-ionic surfactant developed in the mid-20th century. Used in cosmetics for emulsification and solubilization of ingredients.

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

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Caution

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory0 listings

🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →

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

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR