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C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 68131-39-5
  • IUPAC: Alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated

C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated (CAS 68131-39-5) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

GHS classification varies by ethoxylation degree and concentration. Not Prop 65-listed. Not an asthmagen. At consumer concentrations, may carry H315/H319 mild irritant classification at the product level depending on formulation pH and use concentration.

C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated (CAS 68131-39-5) is a family of nonionic surfactants made by ethoxylating fatty alcohols in the C12-C15 carbon range. Widely used in laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners, and automotive detailing products as emulsifiers and wetting agents. Readily biodegradable aerobically. Aquatic toxicity is ingredient-level — relevant to environmental scoring — but low bioaccumulation potential at typical ethoxylation degrees. Not a Prop 65 ingredient. GHS classification at product level depends heavily on formulation concentration and pH context.

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
5/5
Purpose: Nonionic surfactant — emulsifier and wetting agent in alkaline cleaning formulas

Common questions about C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated

What is C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated used for in car care?
Nonionic surfactant — emulsifier and wetting agent in alkaline cleaning formulas
Is C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated a VOC?
No. C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated biodegradable?
Yes. C12-15 Alcohols 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.