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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; Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Ammonium Laureth Sulfate | Sodium Cocoamphoacetate |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash, Vanicream Shampoo for Sensitive Skin |
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.
Sodium cocoamphoacetate is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids and glycine. It is a mild, biodegradable surfactant used in baby and sensitive-skin cleansers, often as a replacement for or alongside CAPB.
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.
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate: Sodium cocoamphoacetate has an excellent safety and tolerability profile. It is less likely than CAPB to cause contact sensitization and is suitable for baby, pediatric, and compromised-skin formulations. No carcinogenic or hormonal concerns are documented.
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