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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; Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Ammonium Lauryl 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 | Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo, Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo | California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash, Vanicream Shampoo for Sensitive Skin |
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.
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 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.
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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