Alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated in car care products

GHS classified Acute Tox. 4 (H302 — harmful if swallowed) and Eye Dam. 1 (H318 — serious eye damage) at the ingredient level, with oral LD50 1,650–2,000 mg/kg in rat. At finished-product concentrations (typically 1–3%), the H318 ingredient classification is reduced to H319 (eye irritation, Cat 2) at the mixture level, which is what carries through to product SDSs. Not a skin sensitizer or asthmagen. No Prop 65 listing for the base substance; 1,4-dioxane may be present at trace levels as an ethoxylation byproduct depending on manufacturing controls.

C12-15 alcohol ethoxylates (CAS 68131-39-5, EC 500-195-7) are nonionic surfactants made by ethoxylating a C12–C15 fatty-alcohol blend. They lower surface tension, emulsify oils, and improve film uniformity in water-based formulations — making them a workhorse ingredient in SiO₂ wet-on-wet sprays, ceramic toppers, and pH-neutral wash products. At undiluted ingredient strength they are classified H302 (harmful if swallowed) and H318 (serious eye damage), and the aquatic profile is severe: H400 acute Cat 1 plus H412 chronic Cat 3 with sub-1 mg/L EC50 values across multiple species. At the 1–3% concentrations typical in finished detailing products, the mixture-level classification softens to H319 only and the aquatic codes do not always carry through to the product SDS — but the rinse-off drain pathway means even diluted use contributes a small recurring environmental load. Readily biodegradable per OECD 301 limits persistence in aerobic surface water; the lipophilic profile (log Pow 6.65) means uptake is via dissolved phase, not bioaccumulation.

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.

Alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated

Health & environment profile

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