Acetaldehyde
- Other solvents
- CAS 75-07-0
- IUPAC: Ethanal
Acetaldehyde (CAS 75-07-0) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is listed on California's Proposition 65 and classified as a VOC.
California Prop 65 listed for cancer. IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic). In car care products, acetaldehyde is a trace residual from manufacturing processes, not an active ingredient. Naturally occurring compound produced by plants and found in many foods.
Acetaldehyde is a simple aldehyde (two carbons) that occurs naturally in ripe fruits, coffee, and bread, and is a normal metabolic byproduct of ethanol. It is listed on California's Proposition 65 as a substance known to cause cancer, classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans).
In auto detailing products, acetaldehyde is not an intentional ingredient. It appears as a trace residual from manufacturing processes, often disclosed in SDS Section 15 alongside other state-regulated substances. At the parts-per-million concentrations found in finished consumer products, the exposure is far below occupational limits.
Acetaldehyde is readily biodegradable and does not bioaccumulate. It has low aquatic toxicity at environmental concentrations. Its primary regulatory significance in car care products is triggering the Prop 65 disclosure requirement.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- yes
- Prop 65 listed
- yes
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- yes
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 3/5
Common questions about Acetaldehyde
- What is Acetaldehyde used for in car care?
- Trace residual from manufacturing processes; not an active ingredient in car care products. California Prop 65 listed.
- Is Acetaldehyde a VOC?
- Yes. Acetaldehyde is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Acetaldehyde on California's Proposition 65 list?
- Yes. Acetaldehyde appears on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is Acetaldehyde biodegradable?
- Yes. Acetaldehyde has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
1 product contain this
Prop 65
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.