The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) is a nomenclature of cosmetic ingredients existing in accordance with the law of the European Union in its territory. It is responsible for a number of rules related to the nomenclature and listing the names of cosmetic ingredients on the label. Nonoxynol-40 is the name of this compound derived from this system. The numerical value represents the approximate number of ethylene oxide groups contained in the compound.
In terms of chemistry, nonoxynols are ethoxylated alkylphenols that are synthesized from an alkylbenzenononoxynol by reaction with ethylene oxide to form polymers of this oxide of various lengths. They are available in the form of a liquid, paste-like liquid, or wax. The CAS number of the compound is 127087-87-0. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) is a specific numerical database, created by a US organization, in which each number indicates a different chemical compound. Nonoxynol-40 is a water-soluble agent. It belongs to the family of chemical compounds in which the number used in the name determines the number of ethoxylating ethylene oxide groups. Smaller numbers indicate compounds of lower molecular weights and shorter polymer chains that are more irritating and dangerous.
In cosmetic products, nonoxynols are used as emulsifying, wetting, foaming and solubilizing agents. These agents are used in hair and skin products and shaving preparations, as well as in the preparation of fragrance compositions. Nonoxynols are used in hair care and skin care, in bath and shaving products, and in personal care products. Compounds with lower molecular weight are mainly found in hair dyes.
The properties of the non-ionic surfactants of nonoxynols make them usable in a wide range of industrial, household, agricultural
and pharmaceutical products. Nonoxynol-40 is used in antiseptic formulas, in preparations for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and in the prevention of viruses. NP-40 is used in the processing of paper and textiles, in paints and coatings, and in agrochemical production. In addition, it is used as a processing aid, especially in production of oil. Moreover, it is also used in laboratory chemicals, lubricants and additives for lubricants, as well as in the production of sealing preparations such as adhesives. In the chemical industry, Nonoxynol-40 itself is used in the emulsion polymerization process. The substance is also found in various types of cleaning and care products for furniture, as well as in washing and dish washing products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the safety of the nonoxynols of lower molecular weight and authorizes the use of these substances as indirect food additives. In contrast, the safety of Nonoxynol-40 was assessed by the Expert Panel on Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). The Commission conducted the assessment of the scientific data and concluded that the substance is safe as a cosmetic ingredient under current practices and rules of use covering the relevant concentration ranges. Additional experiments were performed using Nonoxynol-40. Their results showed that it is safe when used in full rinse products, or at a concentration of up to 5% in no rinse products. Further comparative safety tests identified differences in effects between compounds of higher molecular weight (Nonoxynol-400) and those of lower molecular weight (Nonoxynol-4). The discrepancies are quantitative in nature
and most likely are related to the absorption rate which is influenced by the number of ethoxylated groups. These tests showed that Nonoxynol-40 is moderately irritating. The substance is hazardous for the environment. In the European Union, Nonoxynol-40 is banned in cosmetics and personal care products.
