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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Undecan-1-ol

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 112-42-5
  • IUPAC: Undecan-1-ol

Undecan-1-ol (CAS 112-42-5) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Low acute oral and dermal toxicity at typical use concentrations (<1% in formulas). No respiratory sensitizer. At ingredient level in SDS §3, carries H400 (acute aquatic Cat 1) and H411 (chronic aquatic Cat 1) — environmental concern is the primary hazard.

Undecan-1-ol is a fatty alcohol (C11) used at low concentrations as a co-surfactant, fragrance carrier, or emollient in polishes, waxes, and cleaners. At <1% concentrations typical of car-care formulas, it presents minimal human health risk.

The primary concern is aquatic toxicity: at the ingredient level it carries H400 (acute aquatic Cat 1) and H411 (chronic aquatic Cat 1) per ECHA C&L inventory data. Even at sub-1% concentrations it can contribute to the environmental classification of finished products. Readily biodegradable per OECD 301 screening data, limiting persistence.

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
3/5
Purpose: Co-surfactant, emollient, fragrance carrier — used at low levels in polishes and cleaners

Common questions about Undecan-1-ol

What is Undecan-1-ol used for in car care?
Co-surfactant, emollient, fragrance carrier — used at low levels in polishes and cleaners
Is Undecan-1-ol a VOC?
No. Undecan-1-ol is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Undecan-1-ol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Undecan-1-ol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Undecan-1-ol biodegradable?
Yes. Undecan-1-ol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

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.