murphyOctoxynol-5
AKA: Octoxynol 5, Octylphenoxy-Ethanol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from phenol and ethylene oxide, belonging to the nonionic surfactant chemical family. Synthesized through ethoxylation of octylphenol with ethylene oxide under catalytic conditions.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-.omega.-hydroxy- (5 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C24H42O2
Mol. Weight
362.60
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.
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-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 291)
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 291)
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 291)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2025 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR