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Answer: Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo, Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo, VO5 Herbal Escapes Shampoo.
TL;DR: Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE. Also called ALES. CAS 32612-48-9.
Other names: ALES, Ammonium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo, Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo, VO5 Herbal Escapes Shampoo |
| CAS number | 32612-48-9 |
Ammonium laureth sulfate is an anionic surfactant very similar in structure to SLES but uses an ammonium counterion instead of sodium. It produces abundant foam and provides excellent conditioning to the hair shaft during washing.
ALES is favored in shampoos and some body washes for its slightly lower viscosity compared to SLES, which can make formulation easier. It also leaves hair with a softer feel post-rinse.
Ammonium laureth sulfate shares a similar safety profile to SLES. The CIR has concluded it is safe for cosmetic use. Like SLES, it may contain trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylation, addressed by standard manufacturing controls. It is not a carcinogen or endocrine disruptor. Mild skin irritation is possible in sensitive individuals at high concentrations but is not a concern at typical use levels in rinse-off products.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Ammonium Laureth Sulfatewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Cocamidopropyl betaine or coco-glucoside are suitable alternatives for those seeking sulfate-free shampoos with comparable cleansing.
Yes. At cosmetic use levels, ALES is safe and well-tolerated by most people. Those with a sulfate sensitivity may prefer glucoside-based surfactants.
They are structurally very similar — both are ethoxylated lauryl sulfates — but ALES uses an ammonium ion while SLES uses sodium. Their cleansing and safety profiles are essentially identical.
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