Nonoxynol-23

Nonoxynol-23 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Surfactant
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and nonylphenol, both petroleum-based chemical compounds. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is repeatedly added to nonylphenol under catalytic conditions.
Nonoxynol-23 is a cosmetic ingredient. 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-assessed1 review →
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's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2014 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR