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CarCareTruth

C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 68439-46-3
  • IUPAC: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-(nonylphenyl)-omega-hydroxy-

C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated (CAS 68439-46-3) appears in 12 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is on the EPA Safer Choice list.

No GHS health hazard classifications at use concentrations. Not a skin sensitizer or asthmagen. Non-irritating at typical cleaning product concentrations. EPA Safer Choice approved.

C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated is a nonionic surfactant derived from fatty alcohol ethoxylation. It functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cleaning formulations, reducing surface tension to lift oils and soils from surfaces. The compound is readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions (OECD 301) and is approved by the EPA Safer Choice program, indicating it meets strict human health and environmental safety criteria. At typical cleaning product concentrations it carries no GHS health hazard classification. It does have some aquatic toxicity at higher concentrations, though biodegradation in wastewater treatment limits environmental persistence.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
yes
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Nonionic surfactant for emulsification and soil removal in cleaning products

Common questions about C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated

What is C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated used for in car care?
Nonionic surfactant for emulsification and soil removal in cleaning products
Is C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated a VOC?
No. C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated EPA Safer Choice certified?
Yes. C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated is on the EPA Safer Choice list.

12 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.