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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 Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate | Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel, Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner, Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser |
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 methyl cocoyl taurate is an anionic acyl taurate surfactant derived from coconut oil and taurine (an amino sulfonic acid). It produces a fine, stable foam and is known for its very low irritation potential and excellent skin feel.
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 Methyl Cocoyl Taurate: Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate has a very good safety profile with minimal irritation or sensitization potential. No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity concerns are documented. It is broadly compatible with skin microbiome health and does not significantly disrupt the skin barrier.
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