murphyPelargonic Acid
AKA: NONANOIC ACID, 112-05-0, N-Nonanoic acid, Nonoic acid, Nonylic acid, Pelargic acid, 1-Octanecarboxylic acid, N-Nonylic acid, N-Nonoic acid
Synthetic
Cleanser
Fragrance
Emulsifier
Acid
Not Clean
OriginDerived from plant oils like coconut or palm kernel oil through fractional distillation of fatty acids. Produced by oxidation or fermentation of oleic acid, a naturally occurring nine-carbon fatty acid.
Nonanoic acid is a C9 straight-chain saturated fatty acid which occurs naturally as esters of the oil of pelargonium. Has antifungal properties, and is also used as a herbicide as well as in the preparation of plasticisers and lacquers. It has a role as an antifeedant, a plant metabolite, a Daphnia magna metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a nonanoate. It derives from a hydride of a nonane.
Solubility Soluble in ethanol, chloroform, ether
Formula
C9H18O2
Mol. Weight
158.24
CAS #
112-05-0
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
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.
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Removes dirt and impurities
Provides scent
Mixes oil and water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 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
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions mild (CIR 558)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
10 studies / 9 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 558)
Mixed Sensitization Results
4 studies / 2 sensitizing / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 558)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · 2009 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR