Beauty · Endocrine disruptors

Is Nonoxynol Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Nonoxynol is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).

INCI name Nonoxynol-9. CAS 26027-38-3.

Is Nonoxynol banned in the EU?

EU status	Restricted
US status	Allowed
Risk level	medium
Where it shows up	cleansers, spermicidal products
CAS number	26027-38-3

Nonoxynol (Nonoxynol-9) is a surfactant.

It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.

Degrades into estrogenic nonylphenol; restricted in the EU.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is Nonoxynol banned in the EU?

Nonoxynol is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is Nonoxynol in US cosmetics?

Yes — Nonoxynol can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.

What products contain Nonoxynol?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Nonoxynol automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to Nonoxynol?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Nonoxynol.

Is Nonoxynol in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Nonoxynol or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.