Is Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) a VOC?

No. Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).

Is Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) on California's Proposition 65 list?

No. Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

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Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE)

Nonionic surfactants
CAS 9016-45-9

Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) (CAS 9016-45-9) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026).

Skin irritation possible. Endocrine activity (estrogenic) demonstrated in animal studies. Acute toxicity in finished products at typical concentrations is low; the concern is environmental rather than user health.

Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) is a workhorse nonionic surfactant that has been phased out of most European consumer products due to environmental persistence and endocrine effects in aquatic ecosystems. US restrictions are voluntary but growing.

Health & environment profile

VOC: no
Prop 65 listed: no
Asthmagen: no
EPA Safer Choice: no
Aquatic toxicity: yes
Biodegradable: no
Bioaccumulative: yes
Persistent: yes
Ozone depleting: no
Microplastic: no
PFAS: no
Env. score: 1/5

Purpose: Nonionic surfactant — widely used as an emulsifier in cleaners and detailing chemistry; restricted in the EU and being phased out by many North American formulators due to environmental persistence and endocrine concerns

Common questions about Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE)

What is Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) used for in car care?: Nonionic surfactant — widely used as an emulsifier in cleaners and detailing chemistry; restricted in the EU and being phased out by many North American formulators due to environmental persistence and endocrine concerns
Is Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) a VOC?: No. Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) on California's Proposition 65 list?: No. Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

1 product contain this

3D Car Care 3D Speed All-In-One Polish & Wax
one-step-polish
Prop 65

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.