Alcohol Ethoxylate (C12-14)
إيثوكسيلات الكحول (C12-14)
Nonionic surfactant
The verdict
Low-hazard workhorse nonionic; mainly an eye-splash risk; rapidly biodegradable.
What it is
The invisible workhorse nonionic surfactant (alcohol ethoxylate) in most modern laundry and dish detergents.
Probably the most-used surfactant you've never heard of — it does the actual cleaning in countless detergents and is usually unlabelled by name. Low-hazard to you (the main risk is eye damage from the concentrate) and it breaks down quickly in water. A quiet, effective, relatively unproblematic ingredient.
Evidence & status
IARC carcinogen group
not_classified
EU status
CLP-classified (H302, H318 (+ aquatic, but rapidly biodegradable)); signal word Danger.
US · FDA status
EPA/CIR-reviewed where applicable
Halal status: halal
Plant/synthetic-derived surfactant; no animal-fat or alcohol concern.
Also known as
alcohol ethoxylate · AE · fatty alcohol ethoxylate · laureth/pareth-type nonionic
Primary source
Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.
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