murphyNonoxynol-6
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Nonoxynol 6, POE(6) nonylphenol, Nonylphenol ethoxylate 6
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and nonylphenol, members of the nonionic surfactant chemical family. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide chains are added to nonylphenol under catalytic conditions.
Nonoxynol-6 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-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
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 Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing / plus 5 case reports (CIR 44 and 695)
Eye Irritant in Testing
3 studies / 3 irritating / reactions severe (CIR 44 and 695)
Skin Irritant in Testing
6 studies / 6 irritating / reactions mild to severe (CIR 44 and 695)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR