Octylphenol Ethoxylate

Nonionic surfactants
CAS 9036-19-5
IUPAC: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-.omega.-hydroxy-

H302 (harmful if swallowed) and H318 (serious eye damage) at ingredient level. At product concentrations of <10%, primary product-level concern is eye irritation. The bigger concern is the environmental profile.

Octylphenol ethoxylates (OPEs) are nonionic surfactants from the alkylphenol ethoxylate (APE) family. They have been progressively replaced in modern detergent formulations by alcohol ethoxylates and alkyl polyglucosides because OPE breakdown products (free octylphenols) are documented endocrine disruptors with bioaccumulative potential in aquatic food chains. The EU has effectively banned APEs from most consumer products under REACH; US regulation is less strict and OPEs persist in some legacy formulations.

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: 2/5

Purpose: Nonionic alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactant; emulsification and cleaning in legacy formulations

No products on file contain this (yet)

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