Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE.

Valuable CAS 2235-54-3 / CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) is an anionic surfactant primarily used as a cleansing agent in rinse-off products. It effectively reduces surface tension to emulsify oils and dirt for efficient removal.

Summary

surfactant/cleansing

Science

Mechanism of Action

ALS features a 12-carbon chain and a sulfate head, forming micelles to capture impurities. Its larger ammonium cation compared to SLS leads to less skin penetration and reduced protein binding, resulting in lower irritation potential.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.1–31%
Optimal

1%

Key findings

  1. 01 Journal of the American College of Toxicology 2(7):127-181 (CIR 1983/2002)
  2. 02 Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Safety Assessment Report
  3. 03 Elchemy / Skin barrier disruption studies (2025)

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

As an active surfactant for cleansing, ALS is effective at concentrations significantly higher than typical 'dusting' levels, particularly in rinse-off applications where it's most commonly used.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Most stable in slightly acidic conditions (pH 5-6) and offers excellent cold-water solubility. Avoid high pH formulations as it can release ammonia.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Cationic polymers/surfactants (can cause precipitation)
  • Strongly alkaline ingredients
  • Secondary amines (risk of nitrosamine formation if nitrites are present)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
1%
Sensitization risk Low

Safe for rinse-off formulations with brief contact; for prolonged leave-on use, concentrations should not exceed 1%. It is not associated with carcinogenicity or sensitization.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is a valuable cleansing surfactant, often preferred over SLS for its milder nature and effective performance in rinse-off products.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…