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Answer: Ammonium Lauryl 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: Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo, Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo.
TL;DR: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE. Also called ALS. CAS 2235-54-3.
Other names: ALS
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo, Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo |
| CAS number | 2235-54-3 |
Ammonium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant analogous to SLS but with an ammonium cation. It provides strong foaming and cleansing. It is slightly more water-soluble than SLS.
Used as a primary surfactant in shampoos and cleansers for its powerful lather and oil-removing properties.
ALS is slightly more irritating than ALES and comparable to SLS at equivalent concentrations. At typical shampoo concentrations (2–10%), it is considered safe by the CIR. It is not carcinogenic, not a hormone disruptor, and does not accumulate in body tissues. Prolonged skin contact at high concentrations can cause irritation; this is not a concern in rinse-off applications.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Ammonium Lauryl 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.
Sodium cocoyl isethionate or decyl glucoside for a gentler, non-sulfate option.
They have comparable irritation profiles. ALS is slightly more soluble in water, but both are anionic sulfate surfactants with similar safety profiles at cosmetic use concentrations.
No. Ammonium lauryl sulfate is permitted in cosmetics in the US, EU, Canada, and most global markets without restriction.
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