Octoxynol-20 Carboxylic Acid

Synthetic

Cleanser

Acid

Not Clean

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-carboxymethyl-.omega.-(4-(tetramethylbutyl)phenyl)oxy- (19 mol EO average molar ratio)

Form

Liquid

State

Solid

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

Antioxidant Protection

Reduces Inflammation

Locks In Moisture

Traditional Use

Synthetic surfactant derivative with added carboxylic acid functionality created in the late 20th century. Used as a mild detergent and emulsifier with improved biodegradability in modern 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

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →

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

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR