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Laureth-10

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

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

1 product contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.