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CarCareTruth

Potassium Hydroxide

  • Bases
  • CAS 1310-58-3
  • IUPAC: Potassium hydroxide

Potassium Hydroxide (CAS 1310-58-3) appears in 8 of the 1,974 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of July 2026).

Potassium hydroxide is a strong inorganic base. At concentrations above 2% it is classified Skin Corr. 1A (H314, causes severe skin burns and eye damage), along with H302 (harmful if swallowed), and it drives the DANGER signal word in products that contain it. It is not on California's Prop 65 list and is not classified as a carcinogen, asthmagen, or reproductive toxicant. It neutralizes rapidly on dilution.

Potassium hydroxide (KOH, caustic potash) is a strong inorganic base used as an alkaline builder in cleaning and degreasing formulations. It saponifies fats and oils on contact, making it effective for heavy-duty engine degreasers and industrial cleaners. At concentrations above 2%, it is classified as Skin Corr. 1A (H314) and drives the DANGER signal word in most products containing it. It neutralizes rapidly on dilution and in environmental water, and is not bioaccumulative or persistent. Widely used in soap-making, food processing, and industrial cleaning.

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: Strong alkaline builder — raises pH for saponification of grease and oils in cleaning formulations

Common questions about Potassium Hydroxide

What is Potassium Hydroxide used for in car care?
Strong alkaline builder — raises pH for saponification of grease and oils in cleaning formulations
Is Potassium Hydroxide a VOC?
No. Potassium Hydroxide is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Potassium Hydroxide on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Potassium Hydroxide is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

8 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.