Ingredient

Nonoxynol-10

Nonoxynol-10 is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, PCOS, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is endocrine disruptor and absorbed into the body.

By Team TruvaLast checked

Verdict by profile

Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.

Strongest verdict
Not Recommended
Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
Profiles flagged
6 of 6
Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
Irritancy
3 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyAVOID

Nonoxynol-10 and pregnancy

Not Recommended

Nonoxynol-10 is a surfactant in the nonoxynol family, which includes nonoxynol-9, a spermicide known to cause vaginal irritation and tissue damage. While nonoxynol-10 is used in cosmetics rather than as a contraceptive, it shares similar chemical structure and properties. The primary concern during pregnancy is the potential for endocrine disruption. Nonoxynol compounds have been shown to have estrogenic activity in laboratory studies, which could theoretically interfere with hormonal balance during fetal development. Additionally, the related compound nonoxynol-9 has demonstrated systemic absorption and toxic effects, raising questions about the safety of the entire chemical family during pregnancy. While specific pregnancy studies on topical nonoxynol-10 are limited, most obstetricians and dermatologists recommend avoiding nonoxynol compounds during pregnancy due to their endocrine-disrupting potential and the toxicity profile of related chemicals. The precautionary principle suggests choosing alternative surfactants with better safety profiles.

BreastfeedingAVOID

Nonoxynol-10 and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

Nonoxynol-10 is a synthetic surfactant that belongs to the nonoxynol family of compounds. These are ethoxylated chemicals that can penetrate skin and potentially enter systemic circulation, raising concerns about transfer to breast milk. The main concern for breastfeeding mothers is the endocrine-disrupting potential of nonoxynol compounds. Studies on related chemicals in this family have shown estrogenic activity and potential hormonal interference. If the compound enters breast milk, it could theoretically expose breastfed infants to these hormone-disrupting effects during a critical developmental period. Additionally, the irritating properties of nonoxynol compounds could affect breast skin if products are applied to the chest area. While specific data on nonoxynol-10 transfer to breast milk is lacking, the AAD and lactation experts generally recommend avoiding cosmetic ingredients with known endocrine-disrupting properties during breastfeeding. Many safer surfactant alternatives exist that don't carry these theoretical risks.

PostpartumCAUTION

Nonoxynol-10 and postpartum

Caution Advised

Nonoxynol-10 is a surfactant used to help mix oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetics. For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, the primary concerns are skin irritation and potential hormonal effects rather than infant exposure. The compound may cause irritation to sensitive postpartum skin and has theoretical endocrine-disrupting properties based on studies of related nonoxynol compounds. However, without the concern of breast milk transfer, the risk level is moderate rather than high. Women with sensitive skin or those recovering from pregnancy-related skin changes may want to choose gentler surfactant alternatives until their skin barrier fully recovers.

Trying to ConceiveAVOID

Nonoxynol-10 and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

Nonoxynol-10 belongs to the nonoxynol family of surfactants, which includes nonoxynol-9, a spermicide. While nonoxynol-10 is not used as a spermicide and is structurally different, the chemical family shares properties that raise concerns for women trying to conceive. The primary concern is endocrine disruption. Studies on nonoxynol compounds have shown estrogenic activity, which could theoretically interfere with the delicate hormonal balance required for conception. While topical cosmetic use involves much lower exposure than spermicide use, women trying to conceive often prefer to minimize exposure to any compounds with hormone-disrupting potential. Reproductive health specialists generally recommend avoiding nonoxynol compounds when actively trying to conceive.

PCOSAVOID

Nonoxynol-10 and PCOS

Not Recommended

Nonoxynol-10 is a surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetic products. For women with PCOS, who already experience hormonal imbalances involving androgens and estrogen, any ingredient with potential endocrine-disrupting properties deserves careful consideration. Research on related nonoxynol compounds has demonstrated estrogenic activity in laboratory studies. For women with PCOS, who are working to balance hormones naturally or through medication, exposure to compounds that may interfere with estrogen signaling could theoretically complicate hormone management. Additionally, nonoxynol compounds can cause skin irritation and inflammation, which may worsen acne—a common PCOS symptom. While specific studies on nonoxynol-10 and PCOS are not available, endocrinologists and dermatologists treating PCOS patients often recommend avoiding cosmetic ingredients with documented endocrine-disrupting potential. Women with PCOS may benefit from choosing products with gentler, hormone-neutral surfactants.

General UseCAUTION

Nonoxynol-10 and general use

Caution Advised

Nonoxynol-10 is a synthetic surfactant used in cosmetics to emulsify and stabilize formulations. It helps oil and water ingredients blend together, creating smooth product textures. It's part of the ethoxylated nonylphenol family of chemicals. The main concerns with nonoxynol compounds include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential endocrine disruption. Studies on the nonoxynol family have demonstrated estrogenic activity in laboratory settings, raising questions about long-term exposure effects. The related compound nonoxynol-9 has well-documented irritancy and toxicity when used as a spermicide, which has led to increased scrutiny of all nonoxynol compounds. Additionally, these chemicals are environmental pollutants that persist in waterways and may bioaccumulate. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has expressed concerns about nonoxynol compounds, and many cosmetic manufacturers are voluntarily phasing them out in favor of gentler, more sustainable alternatives. While not banned in cosmetics, dermatologists often recommend choosing products with alternative surfactants, particularly for those with sensitive skin or concerns about endocrine disruptors.

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Provenance

Where this came from

Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.

Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .

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A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.

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