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Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Ammonium Lauryl 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 Lauryl 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 | Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo, Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo | Weleda Gentle Cleansing Foam, Primally Pure Everything Spray, Andalou Naturals Cleansing Foam |
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.
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 Lauryl Sulfate: 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.
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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