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Polyoxyethylene Tridecyl Ether

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 78330-21-9
  • IUPAC: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-tridecyl-omega-hydroxy-

Polyoxyethylene Tridecyl Ether (CAS 78330-21-9) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026).

At concentrations present in finished quick detailers (0.5-1.5%), this ingredient contributes to the H319 eye irritation classification of the mixture. No skin sensitization or respiratory hazard at typical use concentrations. Not Prop 65 listed.

Polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether (CAS 78330-21-9) is a nonionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating tridecanol (a branched C13 alcohol). It functions as a wetting agent and emulsifier in water-based silicone spray formulations, helping distribute silicone actives evenly across paint surfaces. At the 0.5-1.5% concentrations typical in quick detailers, it is a minor formulation component that improves spreading without contributing significant hazard classification beyond the mixture-level H319 eye irritation already driven by the silicone actives.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Nonionic ethoxylated alcohol surfactant; improves spreading and emulsification in water-based silicone detailing sprays

Common questions about Polyoxyethylene Tridecyl Ether

What is Polyoxyethylene Tridecyl Ether used for in car care?
Nonionic ethoxylated alcohol surfactant; improves spreading and emulsification in water-based silicone detailing sprays
Is Polyoxyethylene Tridecyl Ether a VOC?
No. Polyoxyethylene Tridecyl Ether is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Polyoxyethylene Tridecyl Ether on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Polyoxyethylene Tridecyl Ether 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.