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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Alcohol Ethoxylate

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • IUPAC: Alcohol ethoxylates (generic class)

Alcohol Ethoxylate appears in 6 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Alcohol ethoxylates as a class are mild surfactants. At product concentrations in consumer cleaners, they may contribute H315 (skin irritation) and H319 (eye irritation) classifications depending on formulation pH and concentration. Not an asthmagen, not Prop 65-listed, not a VOC.

Alcohol Ethoxylate is a broad class of nonionic surfactants produced by reacting fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide. This generic entry covers alcohol ethoxylates disclosed without a specific CAS number (common in CA RTK listings when the exact chain length or degree of ethoxylation is treated as trade-secret). The class is widely used in laundry detergents, microfiber cleaners, and automotive detailing products. Readily biodegradable aerobically. Aquatic toxicity at ingredient level is a known property of the class; relevance at product level depends on formulation concentration.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Nonionic surfactant — primary cleaning and wetting agent in water-based detailing cleaners

Common questions about Alcohol Ethoxylate

What is Alcohol Ethoxylate used for in car care?
Nonionic surfactant — primary cleaning and wetting agent in water-based detailing cleaners
Is Alcohol Ethoxylate a VOC?
No. Alcohol Ethoxylate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Alcohol Ethoxylate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Alcohol Ethoxylate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Alcohol Ethoxylate biodegradable?
Yes. Alcohol Ethoxylate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

6 products contain this

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.