Other
OCTOXYNOL-30
Safety score · 0–100
Fine
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
Octoxynol-30 is a cosmetic ingredient used in product formulations. Exercise caution due to limited available safety data.
Octoxynol-30 represents the higher end of ethoxylation for the octoxynol series, where the long polyethylene glycol chain largely mitigates the surfactant irritation seen with shorter-EO variants. Direct skin irritation is low at typical cosmetic concentrations. The EU regulatory issue remains the 4-tert-octylphenyl group: regardless of EO chain length, ultimate degradation in wastewater treatment yields octylphenol. The SCCS has not issued a ban, but the environmental profile keeps this class under regulatory pressure in the EU market.
Known concerns
- Environmental endocrine-disruptor (octylphenol) from degradation pathway
- Low direct irritation but not inert at high concentration
- EU regulatory preference is shifting away from alkylphenol ethoxylates
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related others
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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.