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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Alcohols, C16-18

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 67762-27-0
  • IUPAC: Hexadecan-1-ol / Octadecan-1-ol mixture (cetyl/stearyl alcohol blend)

Alcohols, C16-18 (CAS 67762-27-0) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Low oral and dermal toxicity. Not classified as a sensitizer or carcinogen. Widely used in personal-care products (cetyl alcohol / stearyl alcohol) as an emollient and emulsifier.

C16-18 alcohols (CAS 67762-27-0) are a blend of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) long-chain fatty alcohols — naturally occurring components of vegetable oils and animal fats. In rinseless and waterless wash formulas they function as nonionic surfactants and slip agents, contributing to the smooth wipe-off feel and helping suspend particulates in the wash water.

At typical in-product concentrations of 0.5–3% in the concentrate, no H-codes apply at the mixture level. Readily biodegradable. Common in personal-care products as cetyl/stearyl alcohol — the same chemistry that goes into hair conditioner and skin cream.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Long-chain fatty alcohol — surfactant, emulsifier, and slip agent in cleaning and personal-care formulas

Common questions about Alcohols, C16-18

What is Alcohols, C16-18 used for in car care?
Long-chain fatty alcohol — surfactant, emulsifier, and slip agent in cleaning and personal-care formulas
Is Alcohols, C16-18 a VOC?
No. Alcohols, C16-18 is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Alcohols, C16-18 on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Alcohols, C16-18 is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Alcohols, C16-18 biodegradable?
Yes. Alcohols, C16-18 has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product 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.