Skip to content

Surfactant

NONOXYNOL-4 PHOSPHATE

50

Safety score · 0–100

Moderate

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

A nonylphenol-4 phosphate ester emulsifier. Nonylphenol ethoxylates are EU-recognized endocrine disruptors with significant aquatic toxicity — being phased out of modern cosmetic formulations.

Function

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYINGSURFACTANT - HYDROTROPESURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Skin benefits

  • Effective phosphate ester emulsifier
  • Short-chain ethoxylate — lower 1,4-dioxane potential
  • Stable across pH range

Known concerns

  • Nonylphenol ethoxylate base — EU SVHC for endocrine disruption
  • Significant aquatic toxicity
  • EU restrictions on NPE surfactants in cosmetics

References

EU

EU CosIng database

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

Related surfactants

Check your shelf

Find NONOXYNOL-4 PHOSPHATE in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains NONOXYNOL-4 PHOSPHATE 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, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.