Polyalkylene Glycol
- Polymers
- CAS 9003-11-6
- IUPAC: Poly(oxyalkylene) glycol (PAG family — propylene-oxide / ethylene-oxide co-polyethers)
Polyalkylene Glycol (CAS 9003-11-6) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.
Generally low oral/dermal toxicity. Not classified as a sensitizer, carcinogen, or mutagen. Common excipient in pharmaceuticals (PEG/polyethylene glycol family) and personal-care products.
Polyalkylene glycol (CAS 9003-11-6) is a family of water-soluble polyether polymers built from propylene-oxide and ethylene-oxide monomers. In rinseless and waterless wash formulas, PAGs function as slip agents and particulate encapsulators — the polymer chains coat suspended grit so the microfiber towel can lift it cleanly rather than dragging it across the paint.
At typical in-product concentrations of 0.5–3% in the concentrate, PAGs are well below any classification threshold and carry no H-codes at the mixture level. Aquatic toxicity is low (LC50/EC50 typically >500 mg/L). Not a silicone — does not trigger the D5 cyclic-siloxane vPvB environment deduction.
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
- 4/5
Common questions about Polyalkylene Glycol
- What is Polyalkylene Glycol used for in car care?
- Polymer slip / encapsulating agent used in rinseless and waterless wash formulas to suspend particulates and lubricate microfiber wipe-off
- Is Polyalkylene Glycol a VOC?
- No. Polyalkylene Glycol is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Polyalkylene Glycol on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. Polyalkylene Glycol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is Polyalkylene Glycol biodegradable?
- Yes. Polyalkylene Glycol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
1 product contain this
P&S Detail Products Absolute Rinseless Washwaterless-wash
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.