• Produces rich, stable foam in shampoo and cleansers
• Effectively removes dirt, oil, and buildup
• Works well in hard and soft water
• Compatible with other surfactants and thickeners
• Common in high-foam hair and skin cleansers

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate – High-Foaming Surfactant for Shampoos & Cleansers

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) is an anionic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol and ammonium sulfate. It is known for creating dense, luxurious foam and strong cleansing action. It is water-soluble and widely used in shampoos, body washes, face cleansers, and foaming bath products. ALS is milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and better tolerated by sensitive skin, yet retains excellent detergent properties. Ideal for formulations where foam quality and cleansing strength are priorities.

INCI Name: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

CAS Number: 2235-54-3

Solubility: Water-soluble

Add Phase: Water phase (heatable)

pH Stability: Stable in pH 5.5 – 8.5

Processing Temperature: Up to 75°C

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid

Odor: Mild, characteristic

Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₅O₄S·NH₄

Molecular Weight: ~283.4 g/mol

Flash Point: Non-flammable

Density: ~1.02 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Anionic surfactant

Functional Groups: Sulfate ester

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Shampoos, body washes, liquid soaps, face washes, scrubs

• Usage Rate: 5% – 30%
• Phase: Heated water phase
• Ideal For: Foaming cleansers, shampoos, bath gels

🧼 To reduce harshness of ALS in facial or baby cleansers, combine it with gentle co-surfactants like Cocamidopropyl Betaine or Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate and add humectants like Glycerin or Panthenol for moisture balance.

✔️ Suitable for oily and normal skin

⚠️ May cause dryness on sensitive or dry skin — best combined with moisturizing agents

✔️ Often preferred over SLS in gentle cleansing formulations

1. High-Foam Shampoo Base

Use 15–20% ALS with Cocamidopropyl Betaine and PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate for balanced cleansing.

2. Foaming Facial Wash

Formulate 5–10% ALS with panthenol and glycerin to avoid over-drying.

3. Body Wash Gel

Include 10–15% ALS with Aloe Vera extract and fragrance for creamy foam.

4. Foaming Bath Salt Wash

Combine ALS with salt, essential oils, and surfactant boosters for spa-style foam.

5. Scrub Base Cleanser

Suspend walnut shell powder or clay in an ALS-rich cleanser for exfoliating face or body products.

Serums
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Incompatible with leave-on systems.



Creams & Lotions
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suited for emulsions or moisturizers.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in water-only formulas.



Face Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can be added to wash-off masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Primary surfactant for facial washes.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Useful in clarifying masks before treatment.



Deodorants
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not common.



Eye Creams
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – May irritate eyes.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Top-level foaming agent.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Boosts liquid soap performance.



Conditioners
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not conditioning.



Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in lip care.



Body Butters
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – May dry skin.



Ointments
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not for leave-on systems.

Q1: Is ALS sulfate-free?

A1: No. ALS contains sulfate groups, though it is milder than SLS.

Q2: Can ALS cause dryness?

A2: In high concentrations, yes — especially on sensitive skin. Pair with moisturizing actives.

Q3: Is ALS safe for daily use?

A3: Yes, when used correctly and buffered with moisturizers, it's safe for daily shampoos and body washes.