Octoxynol-20 (inci)

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

PEG-20 octyl phenyl ether; polyethylene glycol (20) octyl phenol ether

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Octoxynol-20 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. 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-20" 20 ethoxy groups).

Octoxynol-20 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).

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer