murphyNonoxynol-9
AKA: ToDay, Delfen, 26571-11-9, Nonaethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether, Tergitol NP9, Nonylphenol octa(oxyethylene) ethanol, Nonoxinolum 9, Norfox np-9, Nonoxynol-9.5
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from the alkylphenol ethoxylate chemical family, synthesized from nonylphenol and ethylene oxide. Produced through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to nonylphenol under catalytic conditions.
Nonoxynol-9 is the ethoxylated alkyl phenol that conforms generally to the formula: (structure) where n has an average value of 9.
Solubility Soluble in water, ethanol, ehtylene glycol, ethylene dichloride, xylene, corn oil. Insolulble in Stoddard solvent, deodorized kerosene, low viscosity white mineral oil.
Formula
C33H60O10
Mol. Weight
616.80
CAS #
14409-72-4, 26027-38-3, 26571-11-9, 37205-87-1, 68412-54-4, 9016-45-9
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing / plus 2 case reports (CIR 212 and 695)
Phototoxic in Testing
Lab (in vitro) test with a phototoxic or photosensitizing result in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 695)
Eye Irritant in Testing
4 studies / 4 irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 212 and 695)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
7 studies / 2 irritating / 2 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 212 and 695)
Dermal Absorption 0.49–1%
2 lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 695)
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off2.5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR