Nonoxynol-25

AKA: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, Surfactant
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from nonylphenol, a synthetic organic compound in the alkylphenol ethoxylate chemical family. Synthesized through ethoxylation, wherein ethylene oxide is added to nonylphenol approximately 25 times.
Nonoxynol-25 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 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