Sodium xylene sulfonate, or SXS, is an anionic surfactant and hydrotrope. It improves the solubility and stability of liquid detergent formulations, shampoos and industrial cleaners. Sodium xylene sulfonate acts as a coupling agent. It also acts as a cloud point depressant. Other applications include textile printing pastes and leather-industry glues. Its physical appearance is a colourless to pale-yellow liquid or a white powder. The catalogue lists a technical grade in bags, drums, IBCs and bulk packaging. Cosmetic use is subject to the applicable cosmetic-ingredient conditions.