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Skin compatibility and ecotoxicity of ethoxylated fatty methyl ester nonionics
Author(s) -
Hama I.,
Sasamoto H.,
Tamura T.,
Nakamura T.,
Miura K.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of surfactants and detergents
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.349
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1558-9293
pISSN - 1097-3958
DOI - 10.1007/s11743-998-0012-8
Subject(s) - chemistry , compatibility (geochemistry) , fatty alcohol , ethylene oxide , irritation , organic chemistry , ecotoxicity , toxicity , chemical engineering , immunology , engineering , copolymer , biology , polymer
Ethoxylated fatty methyl esters (EFME) are nonionic surfactants obtained by direct insertion of ethylene oxide to fatty methyl esters in the presence of a composite metal oxide catalyst. Results of cumulative skin irritation testing of EFME on guinea pigs indicate that EFME are less irritating compared to ordinary alcohol ethoxylates (AE). Good skin compatibility of EFME is further illustrated by an in vitro hemolysis test and an in vitro cytotoxicity test. From the standpoint of environmental properties, EFME are readily biodegradable and are less toxic than AE. These results indicate the outstanding dermatological compatibility and good environmental compatibility of EFME.