Skip to content
CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Calcium Dinonylnaphthalene Sulfonate

  • Corrosion inhibitors
  • CAS 93820-57-6

Calcium Dinonylnaphthalene Sulfonate (CAS 93820-57-6) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026).

Low acute toxicity at concentrations used in consumer lubricant formulas (typically ≤10% in finished product). No skin sensitization, respiratory sensitization, carcinogenicity, or Prop 65 classification. Not a SARA 302/304/311/312 hazardous chemical.

Calcium dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate is an oil-soluble corrosion inhibitor used in petroleum-oil lubricants, rust-preventive compounds, and lanolin-based formulas like Fluid Film. It functions by adsorbing onto metal surfaces to form a hydrophobic barrier that displaces moisture and slows oxidation. The calcium sulfonate class is recognized for superior corrosion inhibition compared to older barium sulfonate formulations and does not carry the barium-related aquatic toxicity concerns. At the concentrations used in consumer aerosol lubricants (1–10% by weight), its contribution to the overall hazard profile of the finished product is minor relative to the petroleum-distillate carrier.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
yes
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Oil-soluble corrosion inhibitor — forms a protective hydrophobic film on metal surfaces that resists moisture and prevents rust

Common questions about Calcium Dinonylnaphthalene Sulfonate

What is Calcium Dinonylnaphthalene Sulfonate used for in car care?
Oil-soluble corrosion inhibitor — forms a protective hydrophobic film on metal surfaces that resists moisture and prevents rust
Is Calcium Dinonylnaphthalene Sulfonate a VOC?
No. Calcium Dinonylnaphthalene Sulfonate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Calcium Dinonylnaphthalene Sulfonate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Calcium Dinonylnaphthalene Sulfonate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

2 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.