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CarCareTruth

Isopropanolamine

  • Bases
  • CAS 78-96-6
  • IUPAC: 1-aminopropan-2-ol

Isopropanolamine (CAS 78-96-6) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Low acute toxicity at consumer dilution. Mildly alkaline; can irritate eyes and skin at concentrated levels but carries no GHS classification in a dilute consumer cleaner. Not a Prop 65 listed substance, not an asthmagen.

Isopropanolamine (1-aminopropan-2-ol, CAS 78-96-6) is an alkanolamine used in aqueous cleaners as a cleaning agent and pH buffer. It loosens oily and soap-based residue and keeps the formula at a mildly alkaline pH that improves cleaning performance. It has low volatility, so it does not contribute meaningfully to a product's VOC total. At the low concentrations typical of a consumer glass cleaner it carries no GHS hazard classification; irritation potential appears only at concentrated levels. It is not on the California Prop 65 list.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Cleaning agent and pH buffer — dissolves oily and soap residue and helps hold the formula at a mildly alkaline pH

Common questions about Isopropanolamine

What is Isopropanolamine used for in car care?
Cleaning agent and pH buffer — dissolves oily and soap residue and helps hold the formula at a mildly alkaline pH
Is Isopropanolamine a VOC?
No. Isopropanolamine is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Isopropanolamine on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Isopropanolamine is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Isopropanolamine biodegradable?
Yes. Isopropanolamine 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.