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DODOXYNOL-12.

Valuable CAS 9014-92-0 / 26401-47-8 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Dodoxynol-12 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of dodecylphenol, primarily functioning as a versatile surfactant and emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulations. It is instrumental in creating stable mixtures of oil and water while also enhancing cleansing properties and aiding in the solubilization of various ingredients.

Summary

Surfactant Emulsifying Agent Solubilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a surfactant, Dodoxynol-12 effectively lowers the surface tension of liquids, facilitating the removal of impurities and oils from skin and hair. Its unique molecular structure, possessing both lipophilic (oil-attracting) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) segments, enables it to act as an emulsifier, stabilizing otherwise immiscible oil and water phases into uniform emulsions. Furthermore, it assists in solubilizing ingredients that would typically resist dissolving in a given solvent.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Dodoxynol-12 is a liquid surfactant and emulsifier, not an active ingredient commonly associated with 'dusting' claims or concentration thresholds for specific efficacy.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Possessing both lipophilic and hydrophilic characteristics, Dodoxynol-12 is highly effective in bridging oil and water phases to create stable emulsions. Formulations incorporating this ingredient must prioritize non-irritancy, aligning with safety assessments by regulatory bodies.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.42%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Dodoxynol-12 (among other Nonoxynols) is safe for cosmetic use under current practices, provided the final formulation is non-irritating. The highest reported maximum concentration is 8.33% in rinse-off products and 0.42% in leave-on products, such as hair sprays. It is important to note that the European Union restricts Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates, which include Nonoxynols like Dodoxynol-12, at concentrations ≥ 0.1% in certain products, including cosmetics, due to environmental concerns regarding potential endocrine disruption in ecological species; this is an environmental limitation, not a direct human consumer safety issue. The FDA has permitted related Nonoxynols (Nonoxynol-1, -5, and -6) for use as indirect food additives.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Dodoxynol-12 is a valuable formulation ingredient, approved as safe for cosmetic use by the CIR at specific concentrations, primarily serving as a surfactant and emulsifier essential for product stability and cleansing efficacy.

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