The Lab
Specimen No. 0158
AvoidSyntheticsurfactanthormone disruptor

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPE)

npe · nonylphenol ethoxylate · npeo

Surfactants used in textile manufacturing that break down into nonylphenol — a persistent, bioaccumulative endocrine disruptor detected in human blood and breast milk. Restricted to 0.1% in EU textile products; banned in many jurisdictions but residues are found in fast fashion imports.

high confidence
Researched April 18, 2026

Concerns

  • Breaks down into nonylphenol — a xenoestrogen and persistent organic pollutant
  • Detected in human blood and breast milk from clothing contact [Inference]
  • EU restricted to 0.1% in textile processing
  • Aquatic toxicity — persists in waterways and bioaccumulates in fish

Regulatory flags

  • EU banned in many industrial and consumer cleaning products
  • Endocrine disruptor — REACH severely restricted
  • Persistent aquatic pollutant

Commonly found in

Fast fashion textilesFabric finishesSynthetic clothingSportswear

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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Safer swaps · Research references

Branch Basics

Branch Basics Concentrate

96/100

One bottle replaces your entire cleaning cabinet.

Why it's cleaner

No flagged ingredients in our current review; key ingredients include Coco glucoside, Decyl glucoside, Chamomile extract.

Coco glucosideDecyl glucosideChamomile extract
View product

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