Common Name(s): Octoxynol-6,peg-6 octylphenol ether,triton x-35 (approximate commercial grade)
CAS Number: 9002-93-1
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps oil and water mix in formulas and assists with removing oil and dirt from skin.
Why It's Used: Octoxynol-6's 6 eo units give a moderate hlb (~10โ11), useful for emulsifying in rinse-off cleansers and balanced emulsion systems.
How It Works: 6 eo units provide moderate hydrophilicity; the octylphenol tail anchors in oil phases, reducing interfacial tension to stabilize oil droplets in water.
Typically Found In: Rinse-off cleansers,shampoos,body washes,emulsion systems (rinse-off)
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ surfactant
Secondary Functions: Emulsifying,cleansing
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5% (leave-on limit โค5% per cir; unrestricted in rinse-off)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthesized by ethoxylation of octylphenol; petrochemical origin. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: status downgraded on audit. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 โ low-moderate; can be mildly irritating in leave-on at >5%
Comedogenicity Rating: 2/5 โ low-moderate
Sensitivity Concerns: Cir-reviewed: safe in rinse-off and โค5% in leave-on. may cause mild irritation at higher concentrations. declining use due to alkylphenol concerns.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional โ use within cir-recommended limits
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Cir expert panel: safe as used. ewg score: 2โ4. restrict to rinse-off or โค5% in leave-on products.
Works Well With: Anionic surfactants,amphoteric surfactants,fatty alcohols
Avoid Combining With: High-concentration combinations with other phenolic surfactants
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Octoxynols are ethoxylated octylphenols; the -6 suffix indicates ~6 eo units (average). lower eo octoxynols (-1 to -8) are restricted by cir to leave-on โค5%. concerns relate to residual free octylphenol (potential endocrine disruptor at high experimental doses).
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment octoxynols 2023,cosmeticsinfo.org