Is Nonylphenol Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Nonylphenol is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
INCI name Nonylphenol. CAS 25154-52-3.
Is Nonylphenol banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | older cleansers, surfactant blends |
| CAS number | 25154-52-3 |
What is Nonylphenol?
Nonylphenol (Nonylphenol) is a surfactant breakdown product.
Why is Nonylphenol used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Nonylphenol dangerous? Documented risks
A persistent estrogenic endocrine disruptor; banned in EU cosmetics.
Products that may contain Nonylphenol
- older cleansers
- surfactant blends
How to avoid Nonylphenol: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Nonylphenol
Is Nonylphenol banned in the EU?
Nonylphenol is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Nonylphenol in US cosmetics?
Yes — Nonylphenol 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 Nonylphenol?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Nonylphenol automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Nonylphenol?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Nonylphenol.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Nonylphenol or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related endocrine disruptors
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.