murphyOctoxynol-40
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyoxyethylene Octyl Phenol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide, belonging to the nonionic surfactant chemical family. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide chains are added to fatty alcohol bases.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-.omega.-hydroxy- (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9002-93-1
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Mixes Oil & Water
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