Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

Sulfate Surfactant

What is Ammonium Laureth Sulfate?

Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is an anionic surfactant from the alkyl ether sulfate group. It forms through ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol, sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils, followed by sulfation and neutralization with ammonium. This creates a water-soluble compound widely used in rinse-off cosmetics such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and bubble baths. As a primary surfactant, it lowers water's surface tension, forming micelles that trap oils, dirt, and impurities for easy rinsing. The ethoxy groups (usually 1-3 moles) boost mildness, solubility, and foam stability over non-ethoxylated sulfates. It also aids emulsification by stabilizing oil-water mixtures and enhances viscosity in formulations. Often paired with milder co-surfactants, it balances efficacy and gentleness in personal care products.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.

Benefits

Delivers effective cleansing by lifting dirt and oils from skin and hair.

Produces rich, stable foam to improve product spread and user experience.

Supports emulsion stability for smoother product textures.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with normal or oily skin needing strong yet foaming cleansers.
Those with sensitive skin prone to irritation from surfactants.
Users of shampoos for everyday hair washing.
Individuals experiencing dryness from sulfate-based cleansers.
People seeking affordable, high-lather body washes.
People with known reactions to ammonium compounds.

Safety Notes

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review deems it safe in typical rinse-off concentrations.
  • Potential for mild eye or skin irritation exists, especially undiluted; formulated products minimize risks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

What does Ammonium Laureth Sulfate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse by reducing surface tension, form foam, and emulsify ingredients in washes and shampoos.

Is Ammonium Laureth Sulfate irritating?

It has medium irritation potential, milder than non-ethoxylated sulfates, but may affect sensitive skin in high concentrations.

Is it safe for cosmetic use?

Regulatory reviews like CIR support safety in formulated rinse-off products at standard levels.