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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; Lauryl Glucoside is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate | Lauryl 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 | Acure Seriously Soothing Cleansing Milk, Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap blends, Nature's Baby Organics Shampoo |
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.
Lauryl glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant from the alkyl polyglucoside family, made from glucose and lauryl alcohol (C12, often from coconut oil). It has superior foaming compared to decyl glucoside and is slightly stronger as a cleanser.
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.
Lauryl Glucoside: Lauryl glucoside has an excellent safety profile and is approved for certified organic cosmetics. Very low irritation and sensitization rates are documented. No carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting effects have been identified. It is fully biodegradable.
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