Common Name(s): Potassium xylenesulfonate,pxs,potassium dimethylbenzenesulfonate

CAS Number: 30580-62-2

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Improves how other ingredients dissolve and mix in water-based products, making formulas clearer and easier to pour.

Why It's Used: Used as a hydrotrope in shampoos and liquid cleansers to reduce viscosity and improve cloud point of other surfactants for better processing and product clarity.

How It Works: Aromatic sulfonate disrupts micellar aggregation of other surfactants via co-solubilization, increasing cloud point and reducing solution viscosity; the xylene ring is more lipophilic than benzene, improving hydrotrope efficiency.

Typically Found In: Shampoos,liquid cleansers,laundry products,surfactant blends

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – surfactant

Secondary Functions: Hydrotrope,viscosity controlling

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic; derived from xylene (petrochemical) sulfonation and potassium salt formation.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally non-irritating at typical use levels.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Anionic surfactants,amphoteric surfactants,nonionic surfactants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities at use concentrations

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Xylenesulfonates (pxs, axs) are among the most effective hydrotropes for anionic surfactant systems; potassium salt is preferred over sodium in high-electrolyte formulas to avoid precipitation.

Last Verified: Cosing database,inci dictionary,chemicalbook 30580-62-2

Primary Sources: 2026-03-27