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Isotridecanol ethoxylate

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 9043-30-5
  • IUPAC: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-isotridecyl-omega-hydroxy

Isotridecanol ethoxylate (CAS 9043-30-5) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026).

Isotridecanol ethoxylate is a broadly used industrial surfactant. At typical use concentrations (0–2% in a silicone emulsion formulation), it contributes to the eye-hazard classification of the mixture. Low oral and inhalation toxicity; mild skin irritant at higher concentrations.

Isotridecanol ethoxylate (CAS 9043-30-5) is a non-ionic surfactant from the alcohol ethoxylate family, widely used as an emulsifier in water-based industrial and automotive formulations. In silicone dressings, it functions as a co-emulsifier alongside other ethoxylated alcohols to keep the silicone polymer stably dispersed in water. This ingredient class typically carries fish-toxicity data (LC50 values in the 1–10 mg/L range) in SDS §12 even at concentrations below product-level aquatic classification thresholds. At the low use concentrations in automotive protectants (0–2%), the primary environmental concern is via wastewater or runoff pathways rather than direct aquatic exposure.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Non-ionic ethoxylated alcohol surfactant used as a co-emulsifier in water-based silicone emulsions. Assists stabilization of polydimethylsiloxane dispersions in water.

Common questions about Isotridecanol ethoxylate

What is Isotridecanol ethoxylate used for in car care?
Non-ionic ethoxylated alcohol surfactant used as a co-emulsifier in water-based silicone emulsions. Assists stabilization of polydimethylsiloxane dispersions in water.
Is Isotridecanol ethoxylate a VOC?
No. Isotridecanol ethoxylate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Isotridecanol ethoxylate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Isotridecanol ethoxylate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

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.