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CarCareTruth

Laureth-10

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 68002-97-1
  • IUPAC: Polyoxyethylene (10) lauryl ether

Laureth-10 (CAS 68002-97-1) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Mild skin and eye irritant at concentrated form; non-toxic at typical consumer product concentrations. No known carcinogen, asthmagen, or reproductive toxin classification. Ethoxylation may introduce trace 1,4-dioxane impurity — a Prop 65 carcinogen at detectable thresholds.

Laureth-10 (polyoxyethylene (10) lauryl ether, CAS 68002-97-1) is an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant widely used in interior and exterior cleaners as a wetting agent and detergent component. The ethylene oxide (EO) chain improves water miscibility and reduces surface tension for effective soil removal on vinyl, plastic, and glass surfaces. As an ethoxylated surfactant, manufacturing may introduce trace 1,4-dioxane (a Prop 65 carcinogen) as a process impurity — California requires product-level disclosure when detectable quantities are present. At typical consumer-product concentrations, Laureth-10 is considered low-hazard and biodegradable.

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
3/5
Purpose: Nonionic surfactant; wetting and solubilizing agent for oil, grease, and soil

Common questions about Laureth-10

What is Laureth-10 used for in car care?
Nonionic surfactant; wetting and solubilizing agent for oil, grease, and soil
Is Laureth-10 a VOC?
No. Laureth-10 is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Laureth-10 on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Laureth-10 is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Laureth-10 biodegradable?
Yes. Laureth-10 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.