Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

ah-MOH-nee-um LOR-il SUL-fate

Surfactant 4/10 Safety Not CGAvoid Synthetic Vegan

What Is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate?

An anionic surfactant similar to sodium lauryl sulfate but using an ammonium counterion. Slightly milder than SLS but still a strong cleanser that can strip natural oils.

Source: Coconut or palm kernel oil (chemically processed)

Origin: Synthetic

Also known as: ALS

What Does Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate Do to Your Hair?

Strong cleansing surfactant that produces rich lather and effectively removes oils, dirt, and product buildup. Slightly less irritating than SLS due to the ammonium counterion but still strips natural oils from hair and scalp.

Best For

Oily hair, heavy buildup removal, clarifying washes

Not Recommended For

Curly hair, dry hair, color-treated hair, sensitive scalp

Concentration Matters

5-20% in shampoos

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight
Color-treated: Use caution

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Avoid
CG Avoid

Safety & Regulation

4/10
AvoidCautionSafe

Slightly less irritating than SLS but still harsh for regular use. Can cause scalp dryness, irritation, and stripping of natural oils and hair color. Not recommended for daily use or for dry/curly hair types.

FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe

FDA permits use in cosmetics.

EWG Score: 3/10

HairAide Verdict

Only marginally better than SLS. If you are avoiding sulfates for hair health reasons, this should be on your avoid list too. Reserve for occasional clarifying only.

Products That Contain Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

Shampoos, clarifying shampoos, body washes

Alternatives to Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

If you want to avoid Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, look for products with these ingredients instead:

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate safe for hair?

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate has a safety rating of 4/10. It's generally acceptable but may cause issues for some hair types. Slightly less irritating than SLS but still harsh for regular use. Can cause scalp dryness, irritation, and stripping of natural oils and hair color. Not recommended for daily use or for dry/curly hair types.

Is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate bad for curly hair?

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is not CG-method approved. Curly hair types may want to avoid this ingredient or use products containing it sparingly.

Is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate CG-method approved?

No, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is not approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate?

Some alternatives to Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate include: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

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