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Ingredient directory

Ammonium Laureth-6 Carboxylate

A pH-adaptive 'crypto-anionic' surfactant that provides gentle yet effective cleansing by behaving as a non-ionic surfactant under acidic conditions and transitioning to anionic properties in alkaline environments. Its ethoxylated structure creates a larger molecular size that prevents deep skin penetration, resulting in significantly reduced irritation compared to traditional sulfate-based cleansers while maintaining strong foaming and detergency capabilities.

Directory entry · Individual source review pending

This profile is awaiting an individual source review. Treat its ratings, dose estimates and compatibility labels as provisional; they are not medical advice or proof of a finished product’s effects.

cleansing surfactant foaming

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functions through a unique dual-phase mechanism where pH determines surfactant behavior - operating as a mild non-ionic cleanser in acidic formulations (pH <6) for maximum gentleness, while providing robust anionic cleansing action in alkaline conditions. The ethoxylated chain structure increases molecular size and hydrophilicity, creating a barrier effect that prevents penetration into skin layers and minimizes transepidermal water loss during cleansing.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 3–15%
Optimal

10%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical patch testing at 3.0% demonstrated significantly lower irritation potential versus Sodium Laureth Sulfate in human subjects
  2. 02 Formulations at 10.0-15.0% maintained high detergency and foam stability while reducing transepidermal water loss compared to traditional sulfate cleansers

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Primary cleansing surfactant used at substantial concentrations (3-15%) with well-established safety profile - not typically subject to dusting practices

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Exceptional stability in hard water and high-electrolyte environments across wide pH range, though surfactant characteristics shift from non-ionic to anionic as pH increases

Synergies

  • Co-surfactants for enhanced mildness
  • Conditioning agents in sulfate-free systems

Conflicts

  • Strong cationic polymers - risk of precipitation based on system charge balance
  • Highly alkaline reagents - compromises mildness profile

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
15%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Approved under CIR assessment for Alkyl Ether Carboxylic Acids and Their Salts with demonstrated lower irritation potential than conventional sulfates

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Superior sulfate alternative providing excellent cleansing efficacy with significantly reduced irritation potential across all skin types.

Related

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References

Sources

Keep exploring

From ingredients to everyday care.

Sensitive skin ↗

Start with comfort, product choices and the questions to ask.

Barrier support ↗

Understand moisture, lipids and the limits of ingredient claims.

Ingredient names help you read a label. They do not establish how a finished product will perform. Explore The Garden.