Alcohols, C6-10, ethoxylated propoxylated (CAS 68987-81-5) — Citrus Non-olfactive Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Citrus · Floral

Alcohols, C6-10, ethoxylated propoxylated

CAS 68987-81-5

Origin
synthetic
Note
Non-olfactive
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Alcohols, C6-10, ethoxylated propoxylated?

Ethoxylated propoxylated C6-10 alcohols are synthetic surfactants used in industrial cleaning products, cosmetics, and some personal care formulations. They help blend oil and water components. While not directly noticeable in finished products, their presence affects texture and stability. These ingredients matter because they influence product performance and skin feel, though they are not fragrance materials themselves.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated concentrations
⚠ Potential skin irritation with prolonged exposure
CAS
68987-81-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Alcohols, C6-10, ethoxylated propoxylated Smell Like?

This material is odorless in pure form. As a surfactant blend, it may carry faint residual alcohol notes from manufacturing, but these are typically undetectable in final formulations. The material’s primary function is emulsification rather than olfactive contribution.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Ethoxylated propoxylated alcohols are synthetic polymers created by reacting C6-10 fatty alcohols with both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. The resulting molecules have hydrophilic (ethylene oxide) and hydrophobic (propylene oxide) segments. The exact ratio of EO/PO and carbon chain length determines surfactant properties. These are industrial materials rather than fragrance ingredients.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
SolubilityWater-soluble

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Non-olfactive
Volatility
N/A
Blending
Functional ingredient
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Industrial Cleaners5-15%1-30%Primary surfactant
Cosmetics1-5%0.5-10%Emulsifier

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as functional base rather than fragrance material.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Polysorbate 20 CAS 9005-64-5

Milder surfactant for sensitive skin formulations

2
Decyl Glucoside CAS 68515-73-1

Plant-derived alternative with better biodegradability

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not restricted by IFRA – functional ingredient rather than fragrance material.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

Not evaluated by RIFM as not a fragrance material.

Sustainability

Petroleum-derived with moderate biodegradability. Newer green chemistry versions use bio-based feedstocks. Proper wastewater treatment required due to potential aquatic toxicity.

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References

    Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 68987-81-5
    Data Sources & Attribution
    Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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