murphyNonoxynol-50
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Nonoxynol 50, POE(50) nonylphenol, Nonylphenol ethoxylate 50
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and nonylphenol, both petroleum-derived chemical compounds. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is chemically bonded to nonylphenol.
Nonoxynol-50 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
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 695)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 695)
Not Phototoxic
Human test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 695)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2015
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR