Nonoxynol-30

AKA: Ammonium 2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethyl sulfate, 31691-97-1, Azanium;2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethyl sulfate

Synthetic

Cleanser

Not Clean

Polyethylene Glycol (30) Nonyl Phenyl Ether Sulfate, Ammonium Salt

Formula

C17H31NO5S

Mol. Weight

361.50

CAS #

31691-97-1

Form

Liquid

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

Traditional Use

A synthetic non-ionic surfactant with high polyethylene glycol content developed in the mid-20th century. Used in cosmetics for solubilization and emulsification.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Caution

CIR Safety Findings

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Moderate Irritant

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

CANADA✔ permitted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Caution

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.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR