Sodium Octoxynol-2 Ethane Sulfonate

AKA: ENTSUFON SODIUM, 2917-94-4, Entsufon sodium [USAN], Triton X-200, Entsufon sodium (USAN), ENTSUFON SODIUM [II]
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Sodium 2-[2-[2-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanesulphonate
Formula
C20H33NaO6S
Mol. Weight
424.50
CAS #
2917-94-4, 55837-16-6, 67923-87-9
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant derived from octoxynol (a polyethoxylated alkylphenol). Created as a mild cleanser for sensitive skin formulations in the late 20th century.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Mild Irritant
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR