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CarCareTruth

Sodium Xylenesulfonate

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 1300-72-7
  • IUPAC: Sodium 4-methylbenzene-1-sulfonate (and isomers)

Sodium Xylenesulfonate (CAS 1300-72-7) appears in 8 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Sodium xylenesulfonate is a hydrotrope. At high concentration (>25%) it can cause skin irritation (H315), but at the ≤4% levels typical in finished products this falls below the GHS classification threshold. It is not on California's Prop 65 list and is not classified as a respiratory sensitizer (no H334), asthmagen, carcinogen, or reproductive toxicant.

Sodium xylenesulfonate is a hydrotrope — a small anionic surfactant whose primary job is to dissolve oily fragrance compounds and other hydrophobic ingredients into water-based product formulas. It is widely used in household and automotive cleaners at concentrations of 1–5%. The molecule is readily biodegradable per OECD 301 testing and is not on the Prop 65 list. Not classified as a respiratory sensitizer (no H334), not an asthmagen, not aquatic-toxic at typical formulation concentrations. At >25% concentration it can cause skin irritation (H315), but at ≤4% in finished products this falls below the GHS classification threshold.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Hydrotrope and solubilizing agent — keeps fragrance and other oil-soluble ingredients in stable solution in water-based formulas; improves cleaning surfactant performance at low concentrations

Common questions about Sodium Xylenesulfonate

What is Sodium Xylenesulfonate used for in car care?
Hydrotrope and solubilizing agent — keeps fragrance and other oil-soluble ingredients in stable solution in water-based formulas; improves cleaning surfactant performance at low concentrations
Is Sodium Xylenesulfonate a VOC?
No. Sodium Xylenesulfonate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium Xylenesulfonate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium Xylenesulfonate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Sodium Xylenesulfonate biodegradable?
Yes. Sodium Xylenesulfonate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

8 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.