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CarCareTruth

Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 68439-45-2
  • IUPAC: Alcohols, C6-12, ethoxylated

Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated (CAS 68439-45-2) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

The product's own SDS §2 lists H315 (skin irritation) and H319 (serious eye irritation) at the mixture level with this ethoxylate as one of the disclosed surfactant components at 1-5%. Not classified as a respiratory or skin sensitizer (no H334/H317), not an asthmagen, not Prop 65-listed, and not a VOC contributor.

Alcohols, C6-C12, ethoxylated is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting a mixed C6-C12 fatty-alcohol feedstock with ethylene oxide. It is a common wetting and cleaning agent in spray-and-wipe automotive detailing products, helping the formula lift light contaminants (compound and polish residue, dust, fingerprints) while rinsing away without a slick or oily film. Readily biodegradable aerobically, consistent with shorter-chain alcohol ethoxylates. Ingredient-level aquatic toxicity is a known property of the class; at the low disclosed concentration (1-5%) in a heavily water-diluted mixture, the product-level SDS does not carry a mixture aquatic hazard classification.

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 wetting and cleaning surfactant; helps the spray-and-wipe formula lift light residue and compound dust without leaving a film

Common questions about Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated

What is Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated used for in car care?
Nonionic wetting and cleaning surfactant; helps the spray-and-wipe formula lift light residue and compound dust without leaving a film
Is Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated a VOC?
No. Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated biodegradable?
Yes. Alcohols, C6-C12, Ethoxylated 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.