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Moumoujus

OCTOXYNOL-40.

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

Octoxynol-40 is a nonionic surfactant frequently employed in skincare and ophthalmic solutions. Its primary role is to reduce surface tension, effectively forming and stabilizing emulsions, and enhancing the solubility of other ingredients within a formulation. It also functions as a cleansing agent.

Summary

Cleansing Emulsifying Surfactant Solubilizing

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a nonionic surfactant, Octoxynol-40 reduces the interfacial tension between immiscible phases, such as oil and water, facilitating the creation of stable emulsions. It supports the dispersion of oil and dirt in water for effective cleansing and acts as a solubilizing agent, helping to dissolve ingredients that would otherwise be insoluble in a given solvent.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.001–10%
Optimal

0.05%

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No data available to suggest Octoxynol-40 is commonly dusted or has specific dusting thresholds.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Specific stability details are not provided in the research data.

Conflicts

  • Formulations must be carefully purified to control potential trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide, or unreacted C9 phenols.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.05%
Sensitization risk Unknown

The CIR Expert Panel considers Octoxynol-40 safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products. An updated report from March 2025 emphasizes that octoxynols are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. The FDA has approved its use as an inactive ingredient in ophthalmic solutions at 0.05% w/v. There is no specific SCCS opinion available in the provided data, and data on sensitization risk is not explicitly stated.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Octoxynol-40 is a valuable functional ingredient for formulation, primarily recognized for its surfactant, emulsifying, and solubilizing properties, with a confirmed safety profile by the CIR when appropriately formulated.

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