Nonoxynol-10

What is Nonoxynol-10?

Nonoxynol-10 is a synthetic nonionic surfactant, chemically a nonylphenol ethoxylate with 10 ethylene oxide units attached to a nonylphenol hydrophobic tail. Produced through ethoxylation of nonylphenol, it features amphiphilic properties ideal for rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, plus select leave-on emulsions such as creams. It operates by lowering interfacial tension, allowing water to mix with oils and soils for effective removal during rinsing. As an emulsifying agent, it forms protective films around oil droplets in water-based systems, preventing separation and promoting uniform distribution for stable, spreadable textures in cosmetic formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Enables effective removal of dirt, oils, and makeup from skin and hair.

Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for consistent cream and lotion consistency.

Supports mild foaming action in washes and shampoos for satisfying lather.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of daily foaming cleansers seeking reliable oil removal.
Those with highly sensitive skin prone to surfactant reactions.
Individuals preferring stable, non-separating lotion textures.
Individuals experiencing irritation from ethoxylated compounds.
People with normal to oily skin using surfactant-based hair and body products.
People preferring minimal-ingredient or non-synthetic formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations by regulatory bodies.
  • Potential for low-level impurities common to ethoxylates; opt for quality-tested products.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nonoxynol-10

What does Nonoxynol-10 do in skincare?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse by reducing surface tension and as an emulsifier to blend oils and water for stable products.

Is Nonoxynol-10 safe for daily use?

Yes, at standard cosmetic levels, supported by reviews from cosmetic safety experts.

Can Nonoxynol-10 cause breakouts?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low risk for pore clogging.