Noneth-8 (inci)

Noneth(e) are the synthetic polyoxyethylene ethers of nonylphenol (for comparison see: laurethe as polyoxyethylene ether of lauryl alcohol; steareth as polyoxyethylene ether of stearyl alcohol and others).

Polyalkylene glycol ethers are non-ionic surfactants whose lipophilic part consists of fatty alcohols (e.g. lauryl alcohol, palmitic alcohol, stearyl alcohols, etc.). The hydrophilic part is formed by short-chain polyethylene glycols (polyoxyethylene). In the designation of fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, the inserted numbering means the average number of ethylene oxide units per mole. Noneth-8, for example, is the INCI designation for a polyoxyethylene ether with 8 ethylene oxide units per mole.

Noneth-8 is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as a surfactant (washing-active substance).

Nonylphenols belong to the group of long chain alkylphenols - LCAPs (long chain alkyl penols) - and do not occur naturally in the environment. Because of their estrogenic, persistent and toxic properties, nonylphenols are classified as priority hazardous substances in the EU Water Framework Directive.