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Ingredient directory

Nonyl Nonoxynol-15 Phosphate

NONYL NONOXYNOL-15 PHOSPHATE is a synthetic surfactant primarily utilized in cosmetic formulations for its ability to reduce surface tension. It effectively blends immiscible ingredients like oil and water, facilitating cleansing and emulsion stabilization.

Directory entry · Individual source review pending

This profile is awaiting an individual source review. Treat its ratings, dose estimates and compatibility labels as provisional; they are not medical advice or proof of a finished product’s effects.

Surfactant Cleansing Agent Emulsifying Agent Dispersing Agent Wetting Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a surfactant, NONYL NONOXYNOL-15 PHOSPHATE works by lowering the surface tension of liquids, which allows for the thorough mixing and dispersion of substances that would otherwise separate. This property enables efficient cleansing by lifting impurities and stabilizes oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions within product formulations.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Conflicts

  • Banned for use in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in the European Union due to environmental concerns.
  • Requires careful formulation to ensure unreacted nonylphenol levels are below toxic amounts (typically under 500 ppm).

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Unknown

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deemed Nonoxynols (the parent class including Nonoxynol-15) safe for cosmetic use within current concentrations. However, specific data on phosphate forms like NONYL NONOXYNOL-15 PHOSPHATE is noted as potentially limited. This class of ingredients, Nonoxynols, is prohibited in the European Union for cosmetic and personal care products due to environmental concerns regarding persistence and potential endocrine disruption in aquatic ecosystems, rather than direct human skin safety. Formulators must ensure final products contain less than 500 ppm of unreacted nonylphenol.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

While CIR considers related compounds safe for use, the European Union's ban due to environmental concerns, coupled with a noted lack of specific data for the phosphate form and the potential for toxic impurities, makes this ingredient unsuitable for precision skincare formulations.

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