Ingredient
Octoxynol-13
Octoxynol-13 is flagged for pregnancy, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is endocrine disruptor and hormone disruptor.
- Polyethylene Glycol Octyl Phenyl Ether
- PEG-13 Octyl Phenyl Ether
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
- 5 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Octoxynol-13 and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Endocrine disruptor
- Hormone disruptor
- Absorbed into the body
Octoxynol-13 is a surfactant and emulsifier that belongs to the alkylphenol ethoxylate family. These compounds are used to help mix oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Research published in reproductive toxicology journals shows that alkylphenol ethoxylates, including octoxynol compounds, can exhibit estrogenic activity and act as endocrine disruptors. The SCCS has expressed concern about these compounds' potential to interfere with hormone signaling during pregnancy. Studies in animal models have shown that exposure to alkylphenol ethoxylates during pregnancy can affect fetal development and reproductive organ formation. While human studies are limited, the mechanism of endocrine disruption is well-established. Most dermatologists and obstetricians recommend avoiding products containing octoxynol compounds during pregnancy due to their endocrine-disrupting potential. The precautionary principle applies here, as safer emulsifier alternatives are widely available.
Octoxynol-13 and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Passes into breast milk
Octoxynol-13 is an alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactant that can be absorbed through the skin into systemic circulation, though absorption rates from cosmetic use are relatively low. Research indicates that alkylphenol compounds can accumulate in fatty tissues and potentially transfer to breast milk. While specific studies on octoxynol-13 transfer to breast milk are limited, the lipophilic nature and endocrine-disrupting properties of this chemical class raise concerns about infant exposure. The AAD notes that ingredients with estrogenic activity warrant caution during breastfeeding. Many dermatologists recommend choosing products with alternative emulsifiers during breastfeeding. While the risk may be lower than during pregnancy, the endocrine-disrupting potential suggests prudent avoidance.
Octoxynol-13 and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
For non-breastfeeding postpartum women, octoxynol-13 presents mainly cosmetic concerns related to potential skin irritation rather than hormonal effects. The primary risk is contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. While endocrine disruption remains a theoretical concern, it is less critical when not pregnant or breastfeeding. Women may choose to avoid this ingredient based on general health preferences, but it is not a high priority concern in this specific group.
Octoxynol-13 and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Endocrine disruptor
- Hormone disruptor
Octoxynol-13 is an alkylphenol ethoxylate with established estrogenic activity. Women trying to conceive should minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors that could interfere with conception or early embryonic development. Research on alkylphenol ethoxylates suggests these compounds can affect reproductive hormone balance and potentially impact fertility. Most fertility specialists recommend avoiding ingredients with endocrine-disrupting properties when trying to conceive, adopting the same precautions recommended for pregnancy.
Octoxynol-13 and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Interferes with hormones
- Affects estrogen
Octoxynol-13 belongs to the alkylphenol ethoxylate family, which has demonstrated estrogenic activity in research studies. This property raises concerns for women with PCOS, who already experience hormonal imbalances. Studies show that compounds with estrogenic activity can potentially interfere with the delicate hormone balance in PCOS. While topical absorption is lower than oral exposure, cumulative exposure from multiple products could contribute to overall endocrine burden. Women with PCOS may benefit from choosing products with alternative emulsifiers that do not have hormone-mimicking properties. While not an absolute avoid, minimizing exposure to endocrine disruptors is a reasonable precaution for this population.
Octoxynol-13 and general use
Caution Advised
- Endocrine disruptor
- Irritant
Octoxynol-13 is a synthetic surfactant from the alkylphenol ethoxylate family, used as an emulsifier to blend oil and water in cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilize products and improve texture. The SCCS and environmental health organizations have raised concerns about alkylphenol ethoxylates due to their endocrine-disrupting properties. These compounds can mimic estrogen in the body and interfere with hormone signaling. Additionally, they can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Environmental concerns are significant, as these compounds persist in water systems and harm aquatic life. While octoxynol-13 is not banned, many manufacturers are reformulating to use safer alternatives. Consumers concerned about endocrine disruptors or environmental impact may prefer products using alternative emulsifiers like lecithin or plant-derived surfactants.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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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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