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CarCareTruth

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA)

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 27176-87-0
  • IUPAC: 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA) (CAS 27176-87-0) appears in 2 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

The free acid form is corrosive/irritating at high concentration, but at the low use-concentration typical of a diluted consumer cleaner (well under 1%) it contributes to mild skin and eye irritation (H315/H319) rather than corrosion. Not Prop 65 listed.

Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) is the free-acid precursor to the more common sodium/calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate salts. At the very low concentrations used in gentle, interior-safe automotive cleaners, it functions as a mild anionic surfactant rather than a corrosive.

Regulatory status

  • Not Prop 65 listed (not present on the OEHHA list as of the 2025-12-05 effective list)
  • Standard anionic surfactant class widely used in household and industrial cleaners

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: Anionic surfactant; mild wetting and cleaning agent at low use-concentration in gentle interior cleaners

Common questions about Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA)

What is Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA) used for in car care?
Anionic surfactant; mild wetting and cleaning agent at low use-concentration in gentle interior cleaners
Is Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA) a VOC?
No. Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA) biodegradable?
Yes. Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (DBSA) has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

2 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.