murphyNonoxynol-15
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Surfactant
Synthetic
Cleanser
Not Clean
OriginDerived from polyethylene glycol and nonylphenol, belonging to the nonionic surfactant chemical family. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to nonylphenol under catalytic conditions.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(dinonylphenyl)-.omega.-hydroxy-, phosphates (15 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
39464-64-7
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 212 and 695)
Not Phototoxic
Human test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 212)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 695)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 212)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR