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Moumoujus

OCTOXYNOL-9.

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

Octoxynol-9 is a synthetic non-ionic surfactant primarily utilized as an emulsifying and cleansing agent in cosmetic formulations. It effectively facilitates the stable blending of immiscible liquids and aids in the removal of impurities from the skin.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant cleansing agent solubilizing agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functioning as a non-ionic surfactant, Octoxynol-9 reduces the surface tension at the interface of immiscible liquids, thereby promoting the formation and stability of emulsions. It also acts as a cleansing agent by enhancing water's ability to mix with and rinse away oils and dirt, and serves as a solubilizer to help other ingredients dissolve in a solvent.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Classified as a nonirritant in a 4-day human patch test involving nine subjects.
  2. 02 Formulations containing this concentration were classified as moderately irritating and minimally irritating in a 24-hour single-insult, occlusive human patch test.
  3. 03 No skin sensitization was observed in human studies with subject counts of 206, 102, and 103, respectively.
  4. 04 When incorporated into a spermicidal jelly, some women reported vaginal irritation and excessive discharge over a 6-month period.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted

Octoxynol-9 receives an INCIDecoder 'worst' rating, primarily due to documented concerns about trace impurities such as 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide, and unreacted C9 phenols. Regulatory bodies advise minimizing these potentially undesirable byproducts in cosmetic formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient is reported to be incompatible with strong oxidizing or reducing agents. Thermal decomposition may result in the emission of acrid smoke and fumes.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • strong reducing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel has concluded that Octoxynol-9 is safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products, provided formulations are engineered to be non-irritating. Persistent concerns exist regarding trace levels of impurities, including 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, with industry guidance to minimize their presence. The highest reported maximum use concentration in cosmetics was 5.0% in cologne and toilet water (2001), while more recent data (2022) indicates a maximum of 2.0% in skin cleansing preparations. The FDA has approved Octoxynols for various indirect food uses and in OTC drug products.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its functional versatility as an emulsifier and surfactant, Octoxynol-9 is generally not recommended for Moumoujus's precision skincare formulations due to its high comedogenicity, documented moderate irritancy potential at concentrations of 2.0% or higher, and significant concerns regarding undesirable trace impurities.

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