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Nonoxynol-6
AKA “
Nonoxynol 6, POE(6) nonylphenol, Nonylphenol ethoxylate 6
”
Ingredient
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❤️
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Ingredient Facts
Nonoxynol-6
AKA: Nonoxynol 6, POE(6) nonylphenol, Nonylphenol ethoxylate 6
Ingredient · Skin Conditioning · EWG: 4
WHAT IS IT?
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Nonoxynol-6 is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Form
Liquid
See origin →
WHAT'S IT DO?
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Traditional Use
Created as a nonionic surfactant in the mid-20th century for use as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic products.
Skin Types
●
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
IS IT SAFE?
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Moderate Irritant
Regulatory Status
USA
✔ permitted
EU
⚠ restricted
JAPAN
⚠ restricted
CANADA
⚠ restricted
Regulatory Agencies
EWG
CIR
FDA
EU COSING
Health Canada
WHAT'S THE PROOF?
Allergic contact dermatitis due to nonylphenol ethoxylate (nonoxynol-6).
Nethercott JR, Lawrence MJ
Contact dermatitis, 1984
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR