Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts proposed for the oxyethylation of labile hydrogen-containing reagents and of fatty acid methyl esters are presented. The compositions of the oxyethylation products and reaction conditions for various catalysts are discussed. The fundamental rule that only compounds having a labile hydrogen can react with alkylene oxides is not true anymore. The use of fatty acid methyl esters as a hydrophobic starter may decrease the number of steps needed to go from natural resources (fats and oils) to nonionic surfactants.