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C12-16 Alcohol Ethoxylates

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 68551-12-2
  • IUPAC: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-dodecyl-omega-hydroxy- (and C14, C16 homologues)

GHS classified H318 (Serious Eye Damage Cat 1) and H400/H411 at the ingredient level. At finished-product use concentrations (typically <3%), the H318 classification may or may not carry through to the product-level classification depending on the product formula — verify from product SDS Section 2. Not a skin sensitizer or asthmagen. No Prop 65 listing.

C12-16 Alcohol Ethoxylates (CAS 68551-12-2) are nonionic surfactants derived from fatty alcohols (C12–C16 chain lengths) ethoxylated with ethylene oxide. They function as emulsifiers and wetting agents in water-based formulations, reducing surface tension and enabling uniform film formation. While biodegradable under aerobic conditions, the compound carries GHS H318 (serious eye damage) and H400 (acute aquatic toxicity, M=1) classifications at the ingredient level. At concentrations below 3%, they may not drive the product to the H318 threshold in a dilute aqueous formula, though this depends on the final product pH and the overall ingredient matrix.

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
3/5
Purpose: Nonionic surfactant and emulsifier in water-based cleaning and coating formulations

2 products contain this

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