Nonoxynol-3

AKA: Ammonium 2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethyl sulfate, 31691-97-1, Azanium;2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethyl sulfate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Not Clean
OriginDerived from the ethoxylation of nonylphenol, a synthetic organic compound in the surfactant family. Synthesized through the reaction of nonylphenol with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions.
Polyethylene Glycol (30) Nonyl Phenyl Ether Sulfate, Ammonium Salt
Formula
C17H31NO5S
Mol. Weight
361.50
CAS #
31691-97-1
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.
Removes Impurities
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: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR