What Is Nonyl Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate?
Nonyl Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient created by linking nonylphenol, ethylene oxide units and a phosphate group into one molecule. The result is a surfactant with both oil-loving and water-loving parts that help it mix grime with water so it can be rinsed away. It first appeared in personal care labs in the late twentieth century when chemists sought milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Production begins with nonylphenol, which reacts with ethylene oxide in a controlled setting to add on average ten repeating oxyethylene units. This intermediate is then treated with phosphoric acid to attach the phosphate group, giving the final phosphate ester. Because the process is done in closed reactors and filtered before use, the ingredient reaches formulators in liquid or paste form ready to drop into batches. You will most often spot it in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, shampoos, body washes and occasionally in exfoliating masks where a gentle yet effective cleansing boost is needed.
Nonyl Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays a straightforward but important role in skin and hair care formulas.
Cleansing: As a surfactant it lowers the surface tension between oil, dirt and water, allowing impurities to lift away easily when the product is rinsed. This helps cleansers leave skin and hair feeling fresh without the tightness associated with harsher detergents. Formulators value its ability to create stable, low-irritation systems that rinse cleanly even in hard water.
Who Can Use Nonyl Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate
Most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and dry, can tolerate Nonyl Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate because it is a gentle surfactant that rinses off without stripping natural oils. Those with very sensitive or compromised skin may still feel a mild sting or tightness if the overall formula is too strong, so product strength matters more than the ingredient itself.
The molecule is made entirely in a lab from petrochemical feedstocks, not animals, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Final cruelty status depends on the brand’s testing policies, so always check the label if that is a concern.
No data suggest that topically applied Nonyl Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate poses a specific risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run their skincare choices past a doctor to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Daily sunscreen is still wise as part of any skincare routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Nonyl Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is correctly used in well formulated products.
- Temporary skin redness or stinging, especially on sensitive skin
- Dryness or a tight feeling if the concentration is high or if used too often
- Allergic contact dermatitis, though cases are rare
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- May increase penetration of other active ingredients, possibly intensifying their effects or irritation
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – Nonyl Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly and does not leave an oily film that could clog pores. Its molecular structure is bulky and highly polar, so it is unlikely to settle into follicles and block them. For most acne-prone users this makes it a low-risk choice, though the overall formula still matters. No data suggest it aggravates comedones when used in typical cleanser concentrations.
Suitable for those prone to breakouts, provided the rest of the product is non-comedogenic.
Because it can increase penetration of other ingredients, watch out for formulas that pair it with pore-clogging oils or heavy emollients since those may offset its low rating.
Summary
Nonyl Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate is primarily a cleanser that lifts dirt, oil and makeup by reducing surface tension then carries them away when rinsed. It creates gentle, stable foams and works in both soft and hard water, making it a handy tool for formulators who want mildness without sacrificing cleaning power.
It is not a headline ingredient and you will usually find it listed halfway down the label of everyday face washes, micellar waters and shampoos rather than marketed on the front of the bottle. Its quiet popularity comes from doing its job well without drawing attention.
Current safety reviews consider it low risk at the levels used in cosmetics with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new product it is smart to patch test first to confirm your skin agrees with the formula.