Skip to content

Other

NONOXYNOL-12

CAS 68412-54-4/ 9016-45-9 (generic)/ 26027-38-3 (generic)/ 37205-87-1 (generic)
28

Safety score · 0–100

Caution

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

About

This nonionic surfactant faces EU restrictions in cosmetics because its nonylphenyl structure can degrade to endocrine-disrupting nonylphenol, posing risks to human health and the environment.

Nonoxynol-12 is an ethoxylated nonylphenyl ether with an average of 12 ethylene oxide units. While its higher ethoxylation degree reduces the rate of nonylphenol liberation compared to lower-ethoxylated homologues, it is still restricted under EU REACH Annex XVII for cosmetic use due to the persistent endocrine-disrupting properties of its alkylphenyl core. Aquatic toxicity remains a concern even at this ethoxylation level.

Known concerns

  • EU REACH Annex XVII restriction in cosmetic products
  • Endocrine disruption via nonylphenyl degradation
  • Aquatic toxicity
  • Environmental persistence

References

EU

EU CosIng database

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

Related others

28
1-(4’-Aminophenylazo)-2-methyl- 4-(bis-2-hydroxyethyl) aminobenzene
Other
 28
2,2'-Bioxirane (1,2:3,4-Diepoxybutane)
Other
 28
2-((2-METHYLAMINO)ETHOXY)-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
Other
 28
2-(2,2-DIMETHOXY)ETHOXY-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
Other
 28
2-(2-(2-METHOXYETHOXY)ETHOXY)-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
Other
 28
2-(2-OXOBUTOXY)-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
Other
 28
2-(2-PROPENYLOXY)-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
Other
 28
2-Butyryl-3-hydroxy-5-thiocyclohexan-3-yl-cyclohex-2-en-1-one
Other

Check your shelf

Find NONOXYNOL-12 in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains NONOXYNOL-12 and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.

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.