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Moumoujus

NONYL NONOXYNOL-10.

Questionable CAS 9014-93-1 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

NONYL NONOXYNOL-10 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifying agent widely utilized in personal care products. It functions by lowering surface tension, enabling the creation and stabilization of emulsions between immiscible phases within a formulation, and can enhance wetting properties.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant wetting agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates as a nonionic surfactant, reducing the surface tension of substances to facilitate the formation and stability of emulsions. It effectively acts as a wetting agent, allowing insoluble compounds to disperse uniformly, and can contribute to the generation and stabilization of foam in various applications.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 1–5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Recommended as an emulsifier and surfactant in skin and hair care products at concentrations between 1% and 5%.
  2. 02 A 20% aqueous solution has been used in patch tests on dermatitis patients to evaluate human sensitization potential.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Information regarding the dusting properties or specific dusting thresholds for NONYL NONOXYNOL-10 is not available in the provided research data.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

NONYL NONOXYNOL-10 demonstrates stable performance across both acidic and alkaline pH ranges. It exhibits high tolerance to electrolytes and hard water, maintaining chemical stability under standard ambient conditions.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that NONYL NONOXYNOL-10, alongside related Nonoxynols, is safe for cosmetic use under current practices. However, it is important to note that Nonoxynols are prohibited in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in the European Union due to environmental concerns regarding their biodegradability and aquatic toxicity. While the FDA permits other Nonoxynols (1, 5, 6) as indirect food additives and proposed Nonoxynol-9 as safe for OTC contraceptives, the environmental ban in the EU is a significant consideration.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While NONYL NONOXYNOL-10 is functionally effective as an emulsifier and surfactant, and deemed safe for human use by CIR, its prohibition in the EU due to environmental impact poses a significant ethical and sustainability concern for precision skincare formulation.

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