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NONOXYNOL-100

CAS 68412-54-4/ 9016-45-9 (generic)/ 26027-38-3 (generic)/ 37205-87-1 (generic)
50

Safety score · 0–100

Moderate

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

The most extensively ethoxylated in the series, this surfactant still carries an EU cosmetic restriction due to its nonylphenyl backbone, though its high EO count significantly reduces endocrine disruption potential.

Nonoxynol-100 is a highly ethoxylated nonylphenyl ether with an average of 100 ethylene oxide units, making it much more water-soluble and reducing its lipoidal character. Its endocrine disruption potential is substantially lower than lower-ethoxylated homologues because nonylphenol liberation is minimal. Despite this, EU REACH Annex XVII (entry 46a) restricts the entire class of nonylphenol ethoxylates in cosmetic products, and the substance remains on the EU rolling review list for potential endocrine effects at environmental levels.

Known concerns

  • EU REACH Annex XVII restriction in cosmetic products
  • Residual environmental persistence concerns
  • Aquatic organism exposure at trace levels

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.