Octoxynol-12
AKA “Octoxynol-12, Polyoxyethylene Octyl Phenol”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Octoxynol-12
AKA: Polyoxyethylene Octyl Phenol
Surfactant · Emulsifying · EWG: 7
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-.omega.-hydroxy- (12 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9002-93-1
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Fights Bacteria
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Polyethoxylated alkylphenol surfactant developed for cosmetic applications. Functions as an emulsifier and solubilizer in modern skincare and personal care products.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Octoxynol-1, Octoxynol-3, Octoxynol-5, Octoxynol-6, Octoxynol-7, Octoxynol-8, Octoxynol-9, Octoxynol-10, Octoxynol-11, Octoxynol-12, Octoxynol-13, Octoxynol-16
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Octoxynol-12
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Potassium Octoxynol-12 Phosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Octoxynol-12
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR