What Is Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate?
Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate is a synthetic cleansing agent made by taking nonylphenol, attaching about thirty units of ethylene oxide to it, then treating the result with sulfuric acid and finally neutralizing that acid with ammonia. The finished ingredient is a water-soluble powder or liquid that foams easily and lifts away dirt and oil. Versions of nonylphenol ethoxylates first entered the cleaning industry in the 1950s as gentler alternatives to soap. Cosmetic chemists later discovered that sulfating this molecule improved both its foaming power and its ability to rinse clean, so the ammonium salt found its way into beauty products.
Today you will most often see Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate in rinse-off items such as shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, liquid hand soaps, makeup-removing wipes and some exfoliating scrubs. Its role is almost always the same: create a rich lather that loosens impurities then washes them down the drain.
Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main purpose in personal care formulas.
Cleansing: It lowers the surface tension of water so that oils, sweat and everyday grime can mix with the lather and be rinsed away. This helps products feel effective yet light, leaving skin or hair fresh without heavy residue.
Who Can Use Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate
Most people with normal, combination or oily skin can use products that contain Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate without trouble. Its strong cleansing action can sometimes strip moisture so those with very dry or easily irritated skin might find it a bit too much, especially in leave-on products. Sensitive skin users who still want the foaming feel should look for formulas that pair it with soothing or hydrating ingredients.
The ingredient is made entirely through chemical synthesis with no animal-derived materials, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product is certified cruelty free by the brand.
No data suggests that topical use poses a risk during pregnancy or while nursing because the molecule is meant to rinse off and shows minimal skin penetration. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should run any skincare or haircare product past a doctor just to be safe.
Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. In hair care it can slightly accelerate color fade because of its effective oil lifting action so color-treated hair users may prefer gentler surfactant blends.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions yet they are not the norm. When used at appropriate levels in well-formulated products most people experience only a pleasant cleanse.
- Dryness and a tight feeling on skin or scalp
- Irritation such as redness stinging or itching especially on sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the lather accidentally gets into the eyes
- Increased frizz or faster color fading on chemically treated hair
If any of these issues occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off fully without leaving oily or waxy residue that could plug pores, so it is considered non-comedogenic.
That makes it generally suitable for acne-prone skin.
Keep in mind overall formula counts too since heavy oils or butters elsewhere in a product can still cause congestion even when this cleanser is present.
Summary
Ammonium Nonoxynol-30 Sulfate is a synthetic foaming agent whose main job is to lower surface tension, create a rich lather and whisk away dirt, oil and product build-up. It does this while staying completely water-soluble so it leaves skin and hair feeling clean rather than coated.
Although it is not a headline ingredient it appears in plenty of everyday shampoos, face washes and body cleansers thanks to its dependable performance and cost-effectiveness.
Studies and decades of use point to a good safety profile with the main concern being possible dryness or mild irritation in sensitive users. As with any new product, patch test first to be sure your skin or scalp reacts well before adding it to your routine.