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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Ethanol

  • Alcohol solvents
  • CAS 64-17-5
  • IUPAC: Ethanol

Ethanol (CAS 64-17-5) appears in 25 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

Low health concern at concentrations used in car care products. Classified H225 (highly flammable liquid) and H319 (mild eye irritation) at high concentrations; at 1–10% in a diluted formula, the inhalation dose is trivially small. Skin contact causes mild dryness with repeated exposure. No carcinogenicity, sensitization, or organ toxicity concerns at consumer exposure levels. Well-ventilated application is sufficient; no respirator needed at typical product dilutions.

Ethanol (ethyl alcohol, CAS 64-17-5) is one of the safest solvents used in car care. It evaporates quickly, leaves no residue, and is fully biodegradable. In detailing products it typically serves as a co-solvent or quick-dry aid, and at higher concentrations as the active in glass cleaners and surface wipes.

The EPA Safer Choice program lists ethanol as an approved solvent. Its environmental profile is excellent: rapid biodegradation in aerobic and anaerobic conditions (essentially complete within days), negligible aquatic toxicity, and no persistence or bioaccumulation. Not to be confused with isopropyl alcohol (CAS 67-63-0), which has a higher boiling point and slightly different cleaning profile.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
yes
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Carrier solvent, surface prep, quick-dry agent; also used in glass cleaners and surface wipes for fast-evaporating clean finish

Common questions about Ethanol

What is Ethanol used for in car care?
Carrier solvent, surface prep, quick-dry agent; also used in glass cleaners and surface wipes for fast-evaporating clean finish
Is Ethanol a VOC?
Yes. Ethanol is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Ethanol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Ethanol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Ethanol EPA Safer Choice certified?
Yes. Ethanol is on the EPA Safer Choice list.

25 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.