Skip to content

Other

NONOXYNOL-50

CAS 68412-54-4/ 9016-45-9 (generic)/ 26027-38-3 (generic)/ 37205-87-1 (generic)
51

Safety score · 0–100

Moderate

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

This high ethoxylation variant has a significantly safer toxicological profile than lower Nonoxynols, yet EU cosmetic regulations still restrict the entire nonylphenyl ethoxylate class uniformly.

Nonoxynol-50 is a polyethylene glycol mono(4-nonylphenyl) ether with an average of 50 ethylene oxide units. The extended ethoxylation chain makes this compound highly water-soluble, greatly reduces lipophilicity, and minimizes degradation to nonylphenol. Its aquatic toxicity is low. However, EU REACH Annex XVII entry 46a imposes a class-wide restriction on nonylphenol ethoxylates regardless of ethoxylation degree, reflecting the structural hazard of the alkylphenyl moiety.

Known concerns

  • EU REACH Annex XVII restriction in cosmetic products
  • Residual nonylphenyl structural concern
  • Trace aquatic toxicity
  • Environmental persistence at low concentrations

References

EU

EU CosIng database

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

Related others

51
DEA-OLETH-5 PHOSPHATE
Other
 51
DODOXYNOL-6
Other
 51
alpha-Methylphenethylamine
Other
 51
trans-Dichloroethylene
Other
 50
1,2-BIS-(2-AMINOETHOXY)ETHANE
Other
 50
1,3-benzenediol, 2-methyl
Other
 52
1-N-Methylmorpholiniumpropylamino-4-hydroxyanthraquinone, methyl sulfate
Other
 52
2,6-DIMETHYL-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
Other

Check your shelf

Find NONOXYNOL-50 in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains NONOXYNOL-50 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.