Nonoxynol-44

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

Synthetic

Skin Conditioner

Not Clean

Nonoxynol-44 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

Synthetic surfactant created as part of modernized cosmetic chemistry. Used as an emulsifier in creams and lotions with no traditional antecedent.

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

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Caution

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.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR