Nonoxynol-7

AKA: 27942-27-4, 20-(4-Nonylphenoxy)-3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18-hexaoxaeicosan-1-ol, 18-hexaoxaicosan-1-ol, 2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol, NPEO7
Synthetic
Cleanser
Not Clean
OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and nonylphenol, both petroleum-derived chemicals in the surfactant family. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to nonylphenol under controlled conditions.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(dinonylphenyl)-.omega.-hydroxy-, phosphate, (7 mol EO average molar ratio
Formula
C29H52O8
Mol. Weight
528.70
CAS #
39464-64-7
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
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
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / reactions mild to moderate (CIR 695)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions severe (CIR 695)
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
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR