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CarCareTruth

Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 68131-40-8
  • IUPAC: Alcohols, C11-15-secondary, ethoxylated

Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated (CAS 68131-40-8) appears in 4 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

H302 (harmful if swallowed) and H317 (skin sensitization Cat 1B) at ingredient level. The H317 designation makes this surfactant a documented skin sensitizer; gloves are warranted for repeated bare-hand contact at use concentrations.

C11-15 secondary ethoxylated alcohols are nonionic surfactants common to leather cleaners and interior cleaning blends. Their distinguishing feature relative to primary-alcohol ethoxylates is the H317 (skin sensitization Cat 1B) classification at the ingredient level — repeated dermal exposure can trigger allergic skin reactions in sensitized individuals. At consumer product concentrations (typically <1%), the systemic risk is low but the sensitization potential persists.

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 cleaning surfactant; emulsifies oils and lifts ground-in soil from leather and interior surfaces

Common questions about Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated

What is Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated used for in car care?
Nonionic cleaning surfactant; emulsifies oils and lifts ground-in soil from leather and interior surfaces
Is Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated a VOC?
No. Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated biodegradable?
Yes. Alcohols, secondary C11-15, ethoxylated has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

4 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.