Ingredient

Nonoxynol-9

Nonoxynol-9 is flagged for pregnancy, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, 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
4 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancyAVOID

Nonoxynol-9 and pregnancy

Not Recommended

Nonoxynol-9 is a surfactant chemical best known as a spermicide. In cosmetics, it functions as an emulsifier but is increasingly avoided due to safety concerns. It breaks down into nonylphenol, a known endocrine disruptor. According to reproductive toxicology studies, nonoxynol-9 and its breakdown products can interfere with hormone signaling. The chemical's ability to disrupt cell membranes—which is how it kills sperm—raises concerns about potential effects on fetal development. Some animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity with systemic exposure. While primarily used in contraceptive products rather than leave-on cosmetics, ACOG and most obstetricians recommend avoiding nonoxynol-9 during pregnancy due to its endocrine-disrupting properties and lack of safety data. The EU has expressed concerns about nonylphenol ethoxylates in general.

BreastfeedingAVOID

Nonoxynol-9 and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

Nonoxynol-9 is a surfactant with endocrine-disrupting properties. Its breakdown products, particularly nonylphenol, are persistent chemicals that can accumulate in fatty tissues. While specific data on breast milk transfer is limited, the fat-soluble nature of nonylphenol compounds and their endocrine-disrupting properties raise concerns about infant exposure. The chemical's ability to disrupt hormones could theoretically affect infant development. Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding nonoxynol-9 during breastfeeding due to the lack of safety data and the potential for endocrine disruption. Safer emulsifiers are widely available and should be preferred.

PostpartumCAUTION

Nonoxynol-9 and postpartum

Caution Advised

For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary concerns with nonoxynol-9 are its irritant properties and endocrine-disrupting potential. The chemical can cause significant irritation, especially to sensitive postpartum skin and tissues. Given the hormonal changes during the postpartum period and the ongoing process of hormonal regulation, it's advisable to avoid ingredients with endocrine-disrupting properties. Safer alternatives for emulsification and cleansing are widely available.

Trying to ConceiveAVOID

Nonoxynol-9 and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

Nonoxynol-9 is literally designed to prevent conception by killing sperm. While cosmetic concentrations are typically lower than contraceptive formulations, the ingredient's endocrine-disrupting properties make it inappropriate when trying to conceive. Research shows that nonoxynol-9 and its breakdown products can interfere with reproductive hormones. Animal studies have demonstrated reproductive toxicity, and the chemical's ability to disrupt cell membranes raises concerns about egg quality and early embryo development. Women trying to conceive should avoid this ingredient entirely.

PCOSAVOID

Nonoxynol-9 and PCOS

Not Recommended

Nonoxynol-9 breaks down into nonylphenol, a known endocrine disruptor that can interfere with estrogen signaling. For women with PCOS, who already experience hormonal imbalances, this is particularly concerning. Studies have shown that nonylphenol compounds can mimic estrogen and interfere with normal hormone signaling. This could potentially worsen hormonal imbalances in PCOS or interfere with treatment. The chemical also causes inflammation, which is already elevated in many women with PCOS. Women with PCOS should avoid nonoxynol-9 due to its endocrine-disrupting properties. The potential for hormonal interference makes this ingredient particularly problematic for this population.

General UseCAUTION

Nonoxynol-9 and general use

Caution Advised

Nonoxynol-9 is a surfactant that has fallen out of favor in cosmetics due to multiple safety concerns. It's a known irritant that can cause skin sensitivity, and it breaks down into nonylphenol, an endocrine disruptor. The WHO and CDC have raised concerns about nonoxynol-9's safety, noting that it can damage mucosal tissues and potentially increase infection risk. Its breakdown products are environmentally persistent and have been detected in water systems, raising broader ecological concerns. While not banned in cosmetics, many manufacturers have voluntarily removed nonoxynol-9 due to safety and environmental concerns. The EU has restrictions on nonylphenol ethoxylates, and this ingredient is generally considered outdated with better alternatives available.

Same profiles

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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 .

One ingredient is the easy case.

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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