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CarCareTruth

Octylphenol Ethoxylate

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

Octylphenol Ethoxylate (CAS 9036-19-5) appears in 2 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026).

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

Common questions about Octylphenol Ethoxylate

What is Octylphenol Ethoxylate used for in car care?
Nonionic alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactant; emulsification and cleaning in legacy formulations
Is Octylphenol Ethoxylate a VOC?
No. Octylphenol Ethoxylate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Octylphenol Ethoxylate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Octylphenol Ethoxylate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

2 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.