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Moumoujus

OCTOXYNOL-10.

Avoid CAS 9002-93-1 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Octoxynol-10 is a nonionic surfactant primarily utilized in cosmetic formulations as an emulsifying, cleansing, and solubilizing agent. It effectively reduces surface tension, enabling the stable dispersion of immiscible liquids like oil and water.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant cleansing solubilizing

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a nonionic surfactant, Octoxynol-10 functions by lowering the surface tension between disparate phases, thereby facilitating the creation and stability of emulsions. At a cellular level, its mechanism involves intercalating into the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, which elevates membrane fluidity. At adequate concentrations, this can lead to the destabilization and solubilization of membrane components, as surfactant molecules form micelles to extract membrane lipids and proteins. The specific length of its ethoxylate chain (ten units) significantly influences its capacity for membrane perturbation.

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

Stability

Octoxynol-10 demonstrates stability across a broad pH spectrum.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that long-chain octoxynols, including Octoxynol-10, are safe when used in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products. While the FDA has approved Octoxynol-10 for indirect food uses and a related compound, Octoxynol-40, at 0.05% w/v in ophthalmic solutions, regulatory scrutiny is increasing in regions like the European Union regarding environmental impact and permissible concentrations. Concerns are also noted regarding potential impurities such as 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, which are by-products of ethoxylation and should be minimized through purification. INCI Beauty classifies Octoxynol-10 as a suspected endocrine disruptor, a concern also highlighted by EWG Skin Deep, though the comprehensive weight of evidence remains unassessed.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its functional utility as a surfactant and emulsifier, Octoxynol-10 is flagged with a 'medium' irritancy potential and noted as a suspected endocrine disruptor with potential impurities, leading Moumoujus to advise against its inclusion in precision skincare formulations.

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