✦ Effective anionic surfactant that removes oil, dirt, and impurities with rich lather
✦ Milder alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate with lower irritation potential
✦ Produces dense, creamy foam suitable for shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers
✦ Compatible with amphoteric, nonionic, and cationic co-surfactants for balanced systems
✦ Derived from coconut or palm kernel oil fatty acids via lauryl alcohol sulfonation
✦ Free from ethylene oxide processing, unlike laureth-based surfactants
✦ Suitable for use in baby care, sensitive skin cleansers, and daily-use hair care products

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) is an anionic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol, which is obtained from coconut or palm kernel oil. It has been used in personal care formulations for decades as a primary cleansing agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. ALS belongs to the alkyl sulfate family and is valued for delivering strong cleansing and foaming without the ethoxylation step associated with laureth sulfates.

What makes ALS particularly useful is its balance between cleansing power and relative mildness. Compared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, the ammonium counterion gives ALS a slightly lower irritation profile and improved solubility characteristics. It generates a voluminous, stable lather even in moderately hard water and pairs exceptionally well with cocamidopropyl betaine or decyl glucoside to further reduce irritation while maintaining foam quality.

Bio Shop Pakistan supplies cosmetic-grade Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate suitable for DIY beauty formulators, professional cosmetic chemists, shampoo manufacturers, and baby care product developers.

INCI Name : Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Chemical Name : Ammonium dodecyl sulfate
CAS Number : 2235-54-3
Molecular Formula : C12H29NO4S
Appearance : Clear to slightly hazy liquid (typically supplied as 25–30% aqueous solution)
Odor : Mild, characteristic surfactant odor
pH (1% solution) : 5.5 – 7.0
Solubility : Freely soluble in water
Specific Gravity : 1.01 – 1.04 (at 25°C, aqueous solution)
Flash Point : Not applicable (aqueous solution)
HLB Value : ~40 (highly hydrophilic)
Recommended Use Level : 5% – 25% (active matter basis, depending on product type)
Type : Anionic Surfactant
Shelf Life : 24 months when stored properly

Skincare (Cleansers, Face Washes, Micellar Systems)
★★★★☆
ALS works well as a primary surfactant in foaming facial cleansers and gel washes for normal to oily skin. Use at 8–15% active matter and pair with a mild co-surfactant like cocamidopropyl betaine to reduce potential irritation.

Haircare (Shampoos, Clarifying Rinses)
★★★★★
This is the strongest application category for ALS, delivering excellent foam and thorough cleansing in daily and clarifying shampoos. Use at 10–20% active matter and follow with a conditioning agent to offset any dryness.

Body Care (Body Washes, Shower Gels, Bubble Baths)
★★★★☆
ALS produces luxurious foam in body washes and bubble bath formulations at 10–18% active matter. Adding glycerin or panthenol to the formula helps maintain skin hydration after rinsing.

Baby Care (Baby Washes, Tear-Free Systems)
★★★☆☆
ALS can be included in baby care formulations at lower concentrations of 5–8% active matter when blended with amphoteric surfactants. Always conduct irritation testing and keep total surfactant load minimal for infant products.

Functional Cosmetics (Shaving Foams, Intimate Washes)
★★★★☆
ALS generates stable, dense lather ideal for shaving products and can be formulated into intimate washes at reduced concentrations. Maintain pH between 5.0 and 6.0 and use soothing co-ingredients like allantoin or bisabolol.

In my experience formulating cleansing products, I always treat ALS as a workhorse surfactant that needs the right supporting cast. On its own at high concentrations, it can strip the skin barrier more than desired, but when I blend it at a 2:1 ratio with cocamidopropyl betaine, the irritation potential drops significantly while the foam volume and creaminess actually improve. I never use ALS above 15% active matter in leave-on or prolonged-contact applications.

ADVANCED TIP: To build a premium-feel shampoo base, combine 12% ALS (active matter) with 4% cocamidopropyl betaine and 2% decyl glucoside. Add 0.5% polyquaternium-10 as a conditioning polymer before adjusting pH to 5.5–6.0. This system delivers salon-quality foam density with a noticeable after-feel improvement compared to ALS-only formulations.

Normal Skin : ★★★★★ — Cleanses efficiently without disrupting a healthy skin barrier at standard use levels.
Dry Skin : ★★★☆☆ — Can be drying if used at high concentrations; always pair with humectants and mild co-surfactants.
Oily Skin : ★★★★★ — Excellent at removing excess sebum and buildup without needing harsh concentrations.
Combination : ★★★★☆ — Works well in gel cleansers targeting the T-zone; formulate at moderate concentration.
Sensitive Skin : ★★☆☆☆ — May cause irritation in sensitive individuals; reduce concentration and add soothing agents.
Mature Skin : ★★★☆☆ — Aging skin has a thinner barrier, so use at lower levels with lipid-replenishing co-ingredients.
Acne-Prone : ★★★★☆ — Effective at deep-cleaning pores; avoid overuse which may trigger reactive sebum production.

CONCEPT 1: Daily Gentle Foam Shampoo
Usage Level : 14% (active matter)
Key Ingredients: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-10
Result : A rich-lathering daily shampoo that cleanses thoroughly while leaving hair soft and manageable.

CONCEPT 2: Purifying Oily Skin Face Wash
Usage Level : 10% (active matter)
Key Ingredients: Decyl Glucoside, Niacinamide, Aloe Vera Extract
Result : A clear gel face wash that controls excess oil, minimizes pores, and maintains skin hydration.

CONCEPT 3: Coconut Cream Body Wash
Usage Level : 12% (active matter)
Key Ingredients: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Coconut Oil (and) PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Result : A creamy, high-foam body wash with a moisturizing after-feel that rinses clean without residue.

INCI Declared : Yes — required on all cosmetic product labels
EU Cosmetics Reg : Permitted — no specific Annex restriction for cosmetic use
Rinse-Off Limit : No specific EU maximum established; industry standard up to 25% active matter
Leave-On Limit : Not recommended for leave-on products due to irritation potential
Allergen Alert : No — not a listed fragrance allergen; however, may cause contact irritation at high concentrations
Skin Safety : Safe at recommended levels in rinse-off products; patch test advised for sensitive users
Eye Area Use : Avoid — can cause significant eye irritation at typical cleansing concentrations
Ingestion : Not for internal use
Pregnancy Use : Safe at standard cosmetic use levels in rinse-off products
Child Safety : Safe for children above 3 years at reduced concentrations (5–8% active matter) with co-surfactants
Ventilation : Not required under normal use conditions
Storage : Cool dry place, away from direct sunlight; keep container tightly sealed
Container : HDPE or PET recommended; avoid reactive metals

⚠️ ALS is a known skin and eye irritant at elevated concentrations. Always formulate within recommended use levels and include mildness-boosting co-surfactants in all products intended for facial, baby, or sensitive skin use.

Working pH Range : 5.0 – 8.0 (optimal foaming and stability at pH 5.5 – 6.5)
Heat Stability : Stable up to 80°C; can be added to heated phases without degradation
Freeze-Thaw Stable : Yes — aqueous solutions may thicken upon freezing but recover on thawing with gentle mixing
Emulsion Type : Not applicable (surfactant, not an emulsifier for creams)
Emulsification Phase: Not applicable
Compatible With : Amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic polymers, humectants, botanical extracts
Incompatible With : Strong cationic surfactants at high concentrations (can precipitate), highly acidic systems below pH 3
Oxidation Risk : Low — no significant oxidation concerns under normal storage
Discoloration Risk : Possible — prolonged exposure to high heat or UV light may cause slight yellowing of the solution
Formulation Notes : Always add ALS to the water phase with gentle stirring to avoid excessive foam generation during manufacturing. If thickening with salt (NaCl), add incrementally and monitor viscosity curve to avoid over-thickening and subsequent thinning.

Q: What is the difference between Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
A: Both are anionic surfactants from the alkyl sulfate family, but ALS uses an ammonium counterion instead of sodium. This gives ALS slightly better solubility and a marginally milder irritation profile, making it preferred in many personal care shampoos and body washes.

Q: Can I use Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate in cold process soap?
A: No, ALS is a synthetic surfactant designed for liquid and gel cleansing products, not for traditional cold process soap making which relies on saponification of fats. It is used in syndet bars and liquid formulations instead.

Q: How do I thicken a shampoo formula based on ALS?
A: The most common method is salt thickening using sodium chloride added at 1–3%. Add salt gradually while stirring and check viscosity after each addition, as there is a peak beyond which the formula will thin out again.

Q: Is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate safe for color-treated hair?
A: ALS is a relatively strong cleanser that can strip color faster than milder surfactants. For color-treated hair formulations, reduce ALS concentration to 8–10% active matter and pair with a gentle co-surfactant to minimize fade.

Q: How does ALS compare to Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)?
A: ALES is the ethoxylated version of ALS, which makes it milder and less irritating but also slightly less effective at removing heavy oil and buildup. ALS offers stronger cleansing and denser foam, while ALES is preferred when maximum mildness is the priority.