Nonoxynol-40

AKA: Nonoxynol 40, POE(40) nonylphenol, Nonylphenol ethoxylate 40

Synthetic

Skin Conditioner

Not Clean

Nonoxynol-40 is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.

Form

Liquid

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.

Traditional Use

Nonionic surfactant developed in the mid-20th century for cosmetic formulations. Functions as an emulsifier and solubilizer in modern skincare and personal care products.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Caution

CIR Safety Findings

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Moderate Irritant

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING 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: CosIng · EWG · CIR