Octoxynol-16 (inci)

Octoxynol-16 is a substance used in cosmetic formulations. Octoxynols are organic-chemical compounds from the group of ethoxylated alkylphenols. Chemically, octoxynols are single or multiple (poly)ethoxylated p-octylphenols (see figure). The individual members of this group of substances are called octoxynol-n, where n is the number of -CH2-CH2-O-groups per molecule (e.g. for "Octoxynol-16" 16 ethoxy groups).

Octoxynol-16 acts as an emulsifier (changes the interfacial tension of liquids such as water and oil so that they can be mixed together) and as a surfactant (washing-active substance).