Nonoxynol-120 (inci)

Nonoxynol-120 is a nonylphenol ethoxylate derivative. Nonylphenol ethoxylates represent a group of synthetic, non-ionic surfactants derived from nonylphenols. They differ from each other in the number of hydrophilic ethoxy units of the polyethylene glycol side chain. The number of ethoxy units is declared in the name e.g. nonoxynol-120 with 120 ethoxy units.

Nonoxynol-120 is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as emulsifier (changes the interfacial tension of liquids like water and oil so that they can be mixed together) and skin cleansing agent.