Nonoxynols

Nonoxynol is a reaction product of nonylphenol and ethylene oxide. Each of the nonoximal names is assigned a number (e.g. nonoxynol-4) which indicates the approximate number of ethylene oxide molecules. For nonoxynol-4, for example, these are 4 ethylene oxides.

Depending on the number of ethylene oxide molecules (nonoxynol-1 - 100) the substances can be liquid, paste-like or wax-like.

They are used in cosmetic formulations and have surfactant and emulsifying properties. Some nonoxynols are used as anti-conceptives (vaginal foam) due to their spermicidal effect.