Alcohol Ethoxylate (C12-14)
إيثوكسيلات الكحول (C12-14)
Nonionic surfactant · CAS: 68439-50-9
Low-hazard workhorse nonionic; mainly an eye-splash risk; rapidly biodegradable.
Why this verdict
GHS-hazardous (eye damage/irritant) but a legitimate surfactant - flagged.
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
Cleaning & Hazard
Hazard signal
Danger
Hazard codes (GHS)
H302, H318 (+ aquatic, but rapidly biodegradable)
Environmental note
Aquatic-toxic but rapidly biodegradable (ECHA dossier) - surfaced as a fact.
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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