Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
AKA: Dispersant
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Medicated Active
Not Clean
Naphthalenesulfonic acid, polymer with formaldehyde, sodium salt
CAS #
9084-06-4
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Gel Forming
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hydrotrope
Stabilizes Emulsion
Cleansing Surfactant
Surfactant Hydrotrope
Traditional Use
A synthetic polymer created through modern chemical synthesis. Used in cosmetics as a dispersant and suspending agent to improve product consistency.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR