DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Nonoxynol-5 carboxylic acid 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-5 with 5 ethoxy units.
Nonoxynol-5 carboxylic acid is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as surfactant (washing-active substance) and as skin cleansing agent.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer