Nonylphenol Polyethylene Glycol Ether
- Nonionic surfactants
- CAS 127087-87-0
- IUPAC: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(nonylphenyl)-ω-hydroxy-
Low acute toxicity at typical product concentrations. Primary concern is the nonylphenol degradation product, which is a confirmed endocrine disruptor in aquatic organisms. At concentrations below 5% in consumer products, human health risk is considered low.
Nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether is a nonionic surfactant in the nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) family, used as an emulsifier in silicone-water emulsion products. NPEs are effective wetting and emulsifying agents but face increasing regulatory pressure due to their degradation pathway: they break down to nonylphenol, a persistent environmental contaminant with confirmed endocrine-disrupting properties in aquatic organisms. NPEs are restricted under EU REACH and Canadian environmental regulations. Many formulators are transitioning to alcohol ethoxylates as NPE replacements.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- yes
- Biodegradable
- no
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 2/5
3 products contain this
303 Products 303 Aerospace Protectant (32 oz)Prop 65dashboard-protectant
303 Products 303 Automotive Protectant (16 oz)Prop 65dashboard-protectant
3D Car Care 3D Leather, Vinyl & Plastic ConditionerProp 65leather-conditioner
Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.