Nonoxynol-44

AKA: Nonoxynol 44, POE(44) nonylphenol, Nonylphenol ethoxylate 44

Synthetic

Skin Conditioner

Not Clean

OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and nonylphenol, belonging to the nonionic surfactant chemical family. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide units are added to nonylphenol through catalytic reaction.

Nonoxynol-44 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-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

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

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR