Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
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INCI Name:
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
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Chemical Name:
Ammonium Dodecyl Sulfate
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CAS Number:
2235-54-3
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Appearance:
Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid
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Chemical Type:
Anionic Surfactant
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Suitable For:
Shampoos, Body Washes, Face Cleansers, Bubble Baths, Liquid Hand Soaps, and Personal Care Cleansers
Key Benefits:
- Produces rich, dense, and creamy foam
- Provides excellent cleansing performance
- Effectively removes oil, dirt, and product buildup
- Improves shampoo lather and rinsability
- Compatible with conditioning agents and foam boosters
- Suitable for a wide range of rinse-off formulations
Benefits & Uses (Short):
- Used in shampoos and hair cleansers
- Ideal for body washes and shower gels
- Suitable for liquid hand soaps
- Used in bubble baths and facial cleansers
- Common in professional personal care formulations
Recommended Usage Level:
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Shampoos: 10% – 30%
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Body Washes: 5% – 20%
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Face Cleansers: 3% – 10%
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Liquid Hand Soaps: 5% – 20%
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Bubble Baths: 10% – 25%
Formulation Tip: For a milder shampoo, combine ALS with Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) and conditioning polymers such as Polyquaternium-10 or Polyquaternium-47.
How It Works (Short):
- Acts as the primary cleansing surfactant by lowering the surface tension of water
- Lifts and removes sebum, dirt, and impurities from the hair and scalp
- Produces abundant, stable foam for an improved washing experience
- Rinses cleanly without leaving heavy residue
- Works well with foam boosters and conditioning agents
- Blends exceptionally well with Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), Cocamide DEA (CDEA), BRB 1018 Silicone Conditioner, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-47, Glycerin, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), and Aloe Vera Extract
Key Benefits for Hair Care Formulations:
- Excellent foaming surfactant
- Strong cleansing performance
- Easy to formulate
- Compatible with conditioning ingredients
- Suitable for everyday shampoo formulations
FAQs:
Q: What is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate used for?
A: It is a primary anionic surfactant used in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, liquid soaps, and bubble baths to provide effective cleansing and rich foam.
Q: Is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate the same as SLS?
A: No. Both are anionic surfactants, but Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) uses an ammonium ion, while Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) uses a sodium ion. They have similar cleansing properties but may differ in formulation performance and mildness.
Q: Can ALS be used in sulfate-free products?
A: No. ALS is a sulfate-based surfactant and is not suitable for products marketed as sulfate-free.
Q: Is ALS suitable for daily shampoos?
A: Yes, when formulated with mild co-surfactants, conditioning polymers, and moisturizers, ALS can be used in everyday shampoos.
Q: What ingredients work well with ALS?
A: Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), Cocamide DEA (CDEA), Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-47, BRB 1018 Silicone Conditioner, Glycerin, Panthenol, Aloe Vera Extract, and preservatives.
