Common Name(s): Ammonium xylenesulfonate,ammonium dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid (xylenesulfonate) ammonium salt salt,axs ammonium hydrotrope

CAS Number: 1322-21-0

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Keeps surfactant-based formulas clear and easy to pour by helping ingredients mix properly.

Why It's Used: Used as a hydrotrope to improve cloud point and reduce viscosity in liquid surfactant systems.

How It Works: Aromatic sulfonate disrupts micellar packing of other surfactants, elevating cloud point and improving clarity.

Typically Found In: Shampoos,liquid cleansers,body washes,surfactant concentrates

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; petrochemical aromatic sulfonation followed by salt formation.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating at typical use concentrations.

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

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ammonium xylenesulfonate (axs, cas ~1322-21-0) is the ammonium form of the xylenesulfonate hydrotrope; similar efficacy to naxs/kxs; ammonium form preferred in some shampoo systems for scent and compatibility reasons.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary