CarCareTruth

C9-11 Alcohols Ethoxylated

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

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

1 product contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.