Ammonium Laureth Sulfate vs Decyl Glucoside: which is worse?

What is Ammonium Laureth Sulfate?

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.

What is Decyl Glucoside?

Decyl glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant made by combining glucose (from starch) with decanol (from coconut oil). It belongs to the alkyl polyglucoside (APG) family, which is noted for excellent biodegradability and gentleness.

Documented risks

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.

Decyl Glucoside: Decyl glucoside is among the safest cosmetic surfactants available. It has an excellent safety profile, with very low irritation and sensitization potential. It is approved for use in certified organic cosmetics (COSMOS, ECOCERT). No carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, or systemic toxicity concerns have been identified. Rare contact allergic reactions have been documented but are extremely uncommon.