Skip to content

Other

OCTOXYNOL-3

CAS 9002-93-1
48

Safety score · 0–100

Moderate

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

About

Octoxynol-3 is a cosmetic ingredient used in product formulations. Exercise caution due to limited available safety data.

Octoxynol-3, with only 3 ethylene oxide units, is the most lipophilic and therefore the most irritating variant in the octoxynol series. Short-chain alkylphenol ethoxylates are more toxic to aquatic organisms and degrade more rapidly—but to more persistent short-chain alkylphenols. In the EU context, these shorter-EO variants are viewed less favorably due to higher irritation potential and the environmental profile of their degradation products. Restricted or avoided in quality cosmetic formulations.

Known concerns

  • Higher skin/eye irritation potential than longer-chain variants
  • Aquatic toxicity of both the parent compound and degradation products
  • Endocrine-disrupting octylphenol metabolite

References

EU

EU CosIng database

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

Related others

48
1,2,4-Triazole
Other
 48
1-(beta-Aminoethyl)amino-4-(beta-hydroxyethyl)oxy-2-nitrobenzene and its salts
Other
 48
1-Hydroxy-4-(p-toluidino)anthraquinone
Other
 48
1-Propanol, 3-[[4-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-nitrophenyl]amino]
Other
 48
2,2'-[[4-[(2-Hydroxyethyl)amino]-3-nitrophenyl]imino]bisethanol (see note 17)
Other
 48
2,3-Dichloropropene
Other
 48
2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol
Other
 48
2-(2-METHOXYETHOXY)-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
Other

Check your shelf

Find OCTOXYNOL-3 in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains OCTOXYNOL-3 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.