Nonoxynol-4
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Ammonium 2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethyl sulfate, 31691-97-1, Azanium;2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethyl sulfate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Not Clean
Ammonium Nonoxynol-4 Sulfate is the ammonium salt of sulfated Nonoxynol-4
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
Synthetic nonionic surfactant created in the mid-20th century as part of the nonoxynol polymer family. Used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and solubilizer with no pre-existing traditional use.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR