$0.31COST/WASH

A dual-action car shampoo that combines high-foaming surfactants with carnauba wax to clean and protect in a single wash step. Turtle Wax ZipWax ranks #2 for value among 80 car shampoos based on cost per wash. Its 9 distinct surfactant types give it a broader cleaning toolkit than most car shampoos for lifting different soil types.

Key Chemistry

pH Level

8.2

Active Mechanism

surfactant emulsification and soil suspension

Surfactants

9 (anionic, amphoteric, nonionic)

Expert Analysis

This ready-to-use formula uses sodium lauryl sulfate as the primary cleaning surfactant at 1-3% concentration, supported by anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants for comprehensive soil removal. The dual-action approach incorporates carnauba wax components that deposit during the wash process, eliminating the need for separate washing and waxing steps.

Key Differentiators

  • Full ingredient transparency with all 25 components disclosed
  • Integrated carnauba wax system that applies protection during the wash process

Potential Concerns

  • Alkaline pH of 8.2 may not be suitable for sensitive or frequently washed finishes
  • Dual-action formulas typically provide lighter protection compared to dedicated wax applications

Ingredients

25 disclosed
Sodium lauryl sulfate1 – 3%
CAS: 151-21-3Surfactant
Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid0.25 - 1.5%
CAS: 27176-87-0Surfactant
Benzenesulfonic acid, 4-C10-13-sec-alkyl derivatives0.25 - 1.5%
CAS: 85536-14-7Surfactant
1-Propanaminium, 3-amino-N-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, N-coco acyl derivatives, hydroxides, inner salts0.1 - 1%
CAS: 61789-40-0Surfactant
Sodium hydroxide0.1 - 1%
CAS: 1310-73-2pH adjustment
1-Dodecanamine, N,N-dimethyl-, N-oxide0.1 - 1%
CAS: 1643-20-5Surfactant
Dipropylene glycol0.1 - 1%
CAS: 25265-71-8Solvent
1,2,3-Propanetriol0.1 - 1%
CAS: 56-81-5Humectant
WaterN/D
CAS: 7732-18-5Solvent
Sodium ChlorideN/D
CAS: 7647-14-5Thickener
Sodium C10-16 AlkylbenzenesulfonateN/D
CAS: 68081-81-2Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl BetaineN/D
CAS: 70851-07-9Surfactant
Myristamine OxideN/D
CAS: 3332-27-2Surfactant
DipenteneN/D
CAS: 68956-56-9Fragrance
Pine Essential OilN/D
CAS: 8002-09-3Fragrance
Cocamidopropyl DimethylamineN/D
CAS: 68140-01-2Surfactant
PEG-4 MontanateN/D
CAS: 68476-04-0Wax Additive
MethylisothiazolinoneN/D
CAS: 2682-20-4Preservative
BenzisothiazolinoneN/D
CAS: 2634-33-5Preservative
Acid GreenN/D
CAS: 12768-78-4Colorant
Carnauba WaxN/D
CAS: 8015-86-9Wax Additive
Yellow 6N/D
CAS: 1934-21-0Colorant
MorpholineN/D
CAS: 110-91-8pH adjustment
Aminomethyl PropanolN/D
CAS: 124-68-5pH adjustment
AmmoniaN/D
CAS: 7664-41-7pH adjustment

Source: both

Safety Profile

Signal Word
Warning
Eye Hazard
Causes eye irritation
Skin Hazard
Causes skin irritation
Corrosive to Metals
No
Flammable
No

More Car Shampoos

View all →