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Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US; Coco-Glucoside is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Ammonium Laureth Sulfate | Coco-Glucoside |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Allowed | Allowed |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | low | low |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | surfactant | surfactant |
| Where it hides | TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo, Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo, VO5 Herbal Escapes Shampoo | Weleda Gentle Cleansing Foam, Primally Pure Everything Spray, Andalou Naturals Cleansing Foam |
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.
Coco-glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant made from coconut oil fatty alcohols (C8–C16) and glucose. It is a mixed-chain alkyl polyglucoside that combines the foaming of lauryl glucoside with the mildness of decyl glucoside.
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate: 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.
Coco-Glucoside: Coco-glucoside is one of the best-tolerated cosmetic surfactants. Safety reviews confirm minimal irritation and sensitization potential. It is biodegradable, palm/coconut-derived, and COSMOS certified. No carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption has been identified. Individuals with true coconut allergies should be cautious, though the chemical processing generally eliminates the proteins responsible for IgE-mediated reactions.
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