Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate vs Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: 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 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate?

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is an anionic surfactant derived from sarcosine (an amino acid derivative) and lauric acid from coconut oil. It is an acyl amino acid surfactant known for mildness and a smooth, silky after-feel.

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.

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is considered safe for cosmetic use by the CIR. It is non-irritating at typical use concentrations and has no known carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine-disrupting properties. It can potentially form N-nitrosamines if formulated with nitrosating agents; good manufacturing practice prevents this. It is one of the preferred alternatives to SLS in dental formulations.