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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Sodium Hydroxide

  • Bases
  • CAS 1310-73-2
  • IUPAC: sodium hydroxide

Sodium Hydroxide (CAS 1310-73-2) appears in 17 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314) at concentrate (>2%). At consumer concentrations (<2%), typically H315/H319 (irritation only). May be corrosive to metals (H290). Signal word DANGER at concentrate.

Sodium hydroxide (lye, caustic soda) is the alkaline active in strong degreasers and some engine cleaners. At consumer concentrations (<2%), it is typically H315/H319 only. At concentrate (>2%), H314 applies.

Regulatory status

  • Not Prop 65 listed
  • Common food-grade (E524) additive at high purity

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
Purpose: pH adjuster, degreaser, and saponifier in strong degreasers and engine cleaners

Common questions about Sodium Hydroxide

What is Sodium Hydroxide used for in car care?
pH adjuster, degreaser, and saponifier in strong degreasers and engine cleaners
Is Sodium Hydroxide a VOC?
No. Sodium Hydroxide is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium Hydroxide on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium Hydroxide is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Sodium Hydroxide biodegradable?
Yes. Sodium Hydroxide has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

17 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.