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CarCareTruth

Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS)

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 68081-81-2
  • IUPAC: sodium (C10-C16)alkylbenzenesulfonate

Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS) (CAS 68081-81-2) appears in 5 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Mild skin irritant at concentrate; low oral toxicity (LD50 ~1,400 mg/kg in rabbits). Eye irritation Cat 2A possible at concentrate. At typical consumer dilutions, low hazard. No asthmagen or Prop 65 listing.

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in the C10–C16 carbon chain range is one of the most widely used anionic surfactants in consumer cleaning products. In car wash formulations, it is the primary cleaning and foam-generating agent. It is readily biodegradable and not bioaccumulative. Aquatic toxicity is moderate at concentrate but at typical consumer wash dilutions (1–2 oz per 5-gallon bucket = approximately 0.1–0.2% use strength), environmental risk is low. LAS is not on the Prop 65 list and has no asthmagen classification.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Primary anionic surfactant — cleaning, foam generation, and soil emulsification in car wash soaps

Common questions about Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS)

What is Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS) used for in car care?
Primary anionic surfactant — cleaning, foam generation, and soil emulsification in car wash soaps
Is Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS) a VOC?
No. Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS) biodegradable?
Yes. Sodium C10-16 Benzenesulfonate (LAS) has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

5 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.