Recent advances in design of surfactants and polymers for liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide, and partially fluorinated alkanes, are reviewed. The focus is on surfactant structure–performance relationships, development of non-fluorinated surfactants, and applications of CO₂ continuous dispersions for nanoparticle and organic synthesis. Future prospects for these emerging technologies are discussed, including the need for economically viable and environmentally friendly stabilizers for CO₂ dispersions.