Nonoxynol-2
What is it?
Nonoxynol-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, 9, -10, -12, -14, -15, -30, -40 and -50 can be liquids, paste-like liquids, or waxes. In cosmetics and personal care products, Nonoxynols are used in hair and skin care products, bath and shaving products, and personal cleanliness products. Nonoxynols-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, and -8 (lower molecular weight Nonoxynols) are used principally in hair dyes and colors.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the safety of Nonoxynol-1, -5 and -6 and permits the use of these substances as indirect food additives.
The safety of the Nonoxynols has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated scientific data and based concluded that Nonoxynols-9, -10, -12, -14, -15, -30, -40 and -50 are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of concentration and use. In 1999, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on the lower molecular weight Nonoxynols and concluded that Nonoxynol-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, and -8 are safe as used in rinse-off products and safe at concentrations of 5% or less in leave-on products.
The safety of the Nonoxynols has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated scientific data and based concluded that Nonoxynols-9, -10, -12, -14, -15, -30, -40 and -50 are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of concentration and use. In 1999, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on the lower molecular weight Nonoxynols and concluded that Nonoxynol-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, and -8 are safe as used in rinse-off products and safe at concentrations of 5% or less in leave-on products.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
The Nonoxynols help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified. The higher molecular weight Nonoxynols also help other ingredients to dissolve in a solvent in which they would not normally dissolve and they are used to increase foaming capacity or to stabilize foams.
Scientific facts:
The Nonoxynols range from Nonoxynol-1 to Nonoxynol-100. The numerical value represents the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to produce the specific Nonoxynol ingredient. For example, Nonoxynol-9 is made by reacting nonylphenol with 5-18 moles of ethylene oxide, resulting in an average value of 9.
