Octoxynol-13
AKA “Octoxynol-13, Polyoxyethylene Octyl Phenol”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Octoxynol-13
AKA: Polyoxyethylene Octyl Phenol
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 7
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-.omega.-hydroxy- (13 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9002-93-1
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic surfactant with 13 ethoxy units used as an emulsifier and cleanser. Part of the octoxynol series developed to provide superior emulsifying properties in cosmetic formulations.
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-13
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Octoxynol-13
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026 · 🧪 = conflict
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR