Octoxynol-13

AKA: Polyoxyethylene Octyl Phenol

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Not Clean

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-.omega.-hydroxy- (13 mol EO average molar ratio)

CAS #

9002-93-1

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

Traditional Use

Synthetic surfactant with 13 ethoxy units used as an emulsifier and cleanser. Part of the octoxynol series developed to provide superior emulsifying properties in cosmetic formulations.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Mild Irritant

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

🧂Conflict of interest.

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR