Nonoxynol-9 phosphates (inci)

Nonoxynol-9 phosphate is a nonylphenol ethoxylate derivative. Nonylphenol ethoxylates represent a group of synthetic, non-ionic surfactants derived from nonylphenols. They differ from one another 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- 9 with 9 ethoxy units.

Nonoxynol-9 phosphates are used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as a surfactant (washing-active substance), skin cleansing agent and solubilizer (acts hydrotropically, i.e. it increases the solubility of a substance which is only slightly soluble in water).