Nonoxynol-20

Nonoxynol-20 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Surfactant
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and nonylphenol, members of the nonionic surfactant chemical family. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide chains are added to nonylphenol through catalytic reaction.
Nonoxynol-20 is a cosmetic ingredient. Rated moderate hazard by EWG. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
CAS #
9016-45-9
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-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2015
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR