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NONOXYNOL-18

CAS 68412-54-4/ 9016-45-9 (generic)/ 26027-38-3 (generic)/ 37205-87-1 (generic)
40

Safety score · 0–100

Moderate

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

With a higher degree of ethoxylation, this surfactant shows reduced endocrine risk, but EU regulations still restrict its use in cosmetic products due to the nonylphenyl structural alert.

Nonoxynol-18 is a polyethylene glycol mono(4-nonylphenyl) ether with an average of 18 ethylene oxide units. The increased ethoxylation lowers the proportion of degraded nonylphenol and reduces direct aquatic toxicity relative to lower-ethoxylated variants. However, EU REACH Annex XVII entry 46a restricts all nonylphenol ethoxylates in cosmetic products, reflecting systemic concerns about the alkylphenyl moiety across all chain lengths.

Known concerns

  • EU REACH Annex XVII restriction in cosmetic products
  • Residual endocrine disruption risk (nonylphenyl)
  • Aquatic toxicity at environmental concentrations
  • Persistence in wastewater systems

References

EU

EU CosIng database

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

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BASIC RED 46
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.