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Isopropyl Alcohol

  • Alcohol solvents
  • CAS 67-63-0
  • IUPAC: Propan-2-ol

Isopropyl Alcohol (CAS 67-63-0) appears in 47 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

Flammable, eye irritant. Defats skin on prolonged contact. Inhalation in confined spaces causes dizziness.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA, propan-2-ol) is the most common solvent in detailing chemistry. It dissolves polar and nonpolar contaminants, evaporates cleanly without residue, and is cheap. You'll find it in panel preps, glass cleaners, ceramic coating prep solutions, and as a minor component in many spray sealants where it acts as a wetting agent.

Health risks are well-characterized: it's a flammable liquid (H225) at high concentrations, an eye irritant (H319), and inhaling concentrated vapors causes CNS depression — dizziness, headache, nausea (H336). At the low concentrations typical in finished detailing products (under 5%), the practical risks are mild eye and skin irritation with prolonged contact. Use ventilation and gloves when working with the concentrate; the diluted spray formulations are routine to use.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
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
4/5
Purpose: Carrier solvent and surface degreaser; flash-evaporates to leave actives on the surface

Common questions about Isopropyl Alcohol

What is Isopropyl Alcohol used for in car care?
Carrier solvent and surface degreaser; flash-evaporates to leave actives on the surface
Is Isopropyl Alcohol a VOC?
Yes. Isopropyl Alcohol is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Isopropyl Alcohol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Isopropyl Alcohol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Isopropyl Alcohol biodegradable?
Yes. Isopropyl Alcohol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

47 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.