Nonoxynol-40

Nonoxynol-40 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Nonoxynol 40, POE(40) nonylphenol, Nonylphenol ethoxylate 40
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from ethoxylated nonylphenol, a synthetic organic compound created through petrochemical synthesis. Produced by ethoxylation of nonylphenol with ethylene oxide under alkaline catalyst conditions.
Nonoxynol-40 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-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed / reactions minimal (CIR 212)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed / reactions mild (CIR 212)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2015
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR