Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate vs Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: which is worse?

What is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate?

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.

What is Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate?

Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is a mild anionic surfactant derived from the succinic acid ester of laureth alcohol. It is considered one of the gentlest ionic surfactants available and is specifically recommended for baby and sensitive-skin formulations.

Documented risks

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.

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate: Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate is among the least irritating surfactants evaluated by the CIR. It does not penetrate the skin barrier significantly and is safe at concentrations used in cosmetics. No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine-disrupting effects have been found. It may contain trace ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane from ethoxylation, addressed by manufacturing controls.