Common Name(s): Sodium naphthalenesulfonate,sns,sodium naphthalene-1-sulfonate
CAS Number: 1321-69-3
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps ingredients disperse evenly and keeps formulas clear and stable.
Why It's Used: Used as a dispersant for dyes and pigments and as a hydrotrope in surfactant systems.
How It Works: The naphthalene ring system provides higher aromaticity and hydrophobicity than benzene sulfonates; sulfonate anionic character enables electrostatic dispersant action on particle surfaces.
Typically Found In: Dye dispersants,surfactant systems,industrial formulations,hair coloring preparations
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – surfactant
Secondary Functions: Dispersing,hydrotrope
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic; naphthalene sulfonation followed by sodium salt formation.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low-moderate; aromatic sulfonate
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: May be mildly irritating at high concentrations; avoid eye area.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Moderate safety profile. aromatic sulfonate; avoid high concentrations. ewg score: 2–3.
Works Well With: Anionic surfactants,dyes,pigments
Avoid Combining With: Avoid with cationic surfactants (precipitation risk)
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Naphthalene sulfonates are among the most effective dispersants due to the bicyclic aromatic system; formaldehyde-naphthalene condensates (snfc) are even more effective but are separate inci entries; cas 1321-69-3.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,chemicalbook 1321-69-3