| abstract |
A composition comprising (poly)alkylene glycol higher-alkyl ether derivatives represented by general formula (1) (wherein R?1 and R2¿ each is alkyl, provided that the total number of carbon atoms contained in R?1 and R2¿ is 7 to 29 and R2 has a larger number of carbon atoms than R1; A is lower alkylene; n is a number of 1 to 300 on the average; x is 0 or 1; y is a number of 1 to 10 on the average; and R3 is an optionally substituted organic residue in which the number of carbon atoms (excluding those of the substituent) is 1 to 60), characterized by comprising 30 to 90 mol.% ingredients (B1) wherein R1 is methyl and 70 to 10 mol.% ingredients (B2) wherein R1 is C¿2+? alkyl; and a detergent, a lubricant, or an external-use skin preparation each containing the composition. The composition is characterized by a reduced odor, reduced irritation, high detergency, satisfactory bubble properties, satisfactory lubricating performance, excellent low-temperature flowability, satisfactory biodegradability, etc. |