DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Nonoxynol-40 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-40 with 40 ethoxy units.
Nonoxynol-40 is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as surfactant (washing-active substance) and skin cleansing agent.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer