Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

OCTOXYNOL-20.

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

Octoxynol-20 is a versatile nonionic surfactant employed in cosmetic formulations. Its primary role is to act as an emulsifying agent, promoting the stable dispersion of oil and water phases. Additionally, it functions as a cleansing and solubilizing agent, enhancing product performance and stability.

Summary

Emulsifying agent Cleansing agent Solubilizing agent Hydrotrope Nonionic surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a nonionic surfactant, Octoxynol-20 effectively reduces surface tension between disparate substances, facilitating the creation and stability of emulsions. Its molecular structure allows it to interact with both oil and water components, aiding in the removal of impurities and the uniform dissolution of other ingredients within a solvent, functioning also as a hydrotrope.

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 5 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal stability for octoxynol compounds, including Octoxynol-20, is observed within a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0. Studies on related octoxynols suggest pH-dependent activity, with enzyme inactivation noted between pH 4 and 7.

Conflicts

  • Ethylene oxide (trace levels)
  • 1,4-dioxane (trace levels)
  • Unreacted C9 phenols (trace levels)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
25%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed long-chain octoxynols (including Octoxynol-20) safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products, provided they are formulated to be non-irritating. While a safety assessment was re-opened in June 2023 for other octoxynols regarding mucous membrane irritation and new baby product uses, the overall conclusion for long-chain octoxynols remains positive. Formulators are advised to minimize impurities such as ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane, and unreacted C9 phenols. Concentrations range from 0.0008% to 25%, with most applications under 5.0%. Octoxynol ingredients are permissible under EU cosmetic regulations and have FDA approval for specific indirect food uses and ophthalmic solutions (e.g., Octoxynol-40 at 0.05% w/v).

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Octoxynol-20 is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, providing essential emulsifying, cleansing, and solubilizing properties to ensure product stability and efficacy when formulated carefully to be non-irritating.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…