What Is Ammonium Cumenesulfonate?
Ammonium cumenesulfonate is a salt created when cumenesulfonic acid is neutralized with ammonia. Chemically it belongs to the family of sulfonates, which are valued for their strong ability to mix oil and water. The ingredient is usually made by sulfonating cumene, a compound that starts out as a by-product of the petrochemical industry, then treating the acid with ammonia to form the stable ammonium version used in cosmetics.
Its use in personal care began in the 1960s when formulators needed an aid that could keep high-foaming cleansers clear and uniform. Over time it proved handy not only in shampoos but also in face washes, liquid soaps and even some sheet masks where clarity and even texture matter. Today you can spot it in shower gels, bubble baths, micellar waters and a range of hair and skin cleansers that need to stay fluid and easy to rinse.
Ammonium Cumenesulfonate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in many formulas
- Cleansing: Helps loosen dirt, oil and product build-up so they rinse away easily leaving skin or hair feeling fresh
- Hydrotrope: Keeps all the other ingredients evenly mixed and prevents cloudiness which lets brands create clear, stable and visually appealing liquids without adding heavy amounts of surfactant
Who Can Use Ammonium Cumenesulfonate
This cleansing salt is considered mild enough for most skin types including oily, combination and normal complexions. Sensitive or very dry skin can usually tolerate it too since it is not a harsh surfactant, though someone with an active flare of eczema or compromised skin barrier might prefer products that use even gentler cleansers.
The ingredient is synthetically produced from petrochemical sources and involves no animal derivatives or by-products, which makes it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians. Finished formulas that pair it with animal based ingredients such as certain proteins or beeswax would of course be a separate matter.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used at the tiny levels common in rinse-off products. That said this is not medical advice; anyone who is expecting or nursing should review their skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
Ammonium cumenesulfonate does not increase sensitivity to sunlight and has no known effect on pigmentation treatments or self-tanners. It is also water-soluble so it rinses away cleanly without leaving a film on skin or hair.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any skincare ingredient can differ from person to person. The points below outline possible but uncommon reactions. When the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product most people will not notice any of these issues.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness after cleansing, especially on already dehydrated skin
- Transient stinging on very sensitive or broken skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as redness itching or small bumps
If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Ammonium cumenesulfonate is a small, water-soluble salt that rinses off completely rather than settling into pores or leaving any oily residue. Because it lifts away dirt and oil instead of adding extra film, it does not clog follicles or encourage blackheads. For that reason it earns the lowest score on the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
Its leave-on use is rare, but if it does appear in a toner or mist the same non-clogging profile still applies thanks to its high solubility.
Summary
Ammonium cumenesulfonate serves two key jobs: it helps cleanse by loosening grime then it acts as a hydrotrope to keep watery formulas clear and even. It does both because its sulfonate head attracts water while its aromatic tail can interact with oils, giving it the power to bridge the gap between the two.
The ingredient is not a superstar like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, yet it quietly shows up in many everyday shampoos, face washes and body gels where clarity and easy rinse-off matter.
Safety reviews rate it as low risk at the tiny levels found in rinse-off products. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so patch testing a new product that contains it is a smart habit.