Ingredient dictionary

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

Ammonium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant, a cleansing agent that lifts oil and dirt so they rinse away, and it creates foam. It is on the label of 6 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: as a sulfate cleanser, it cleans hard, so dry, curly, color-treated hair and sensitive skin often feel better with gentler cleansers.

Sulfates. Strong foaming cleansers such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

What Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate does

Lifts oil and dirt for rinsing away
Builds a rich, bubbly lather
Works as a main cleansing agent in shampoos

Ammonium lauryl sulfate is made from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol usually sourced from plant oils such as coconut or palm kernel oil. The alcohol is sulfated, then neutralized with ammonia, which gives the ingredient its name. The result is a salt with one oil-loving end and one water-loving end, so it lifts oil and dirt into water to rinse away.

Formulators like it because it builds a rich lather quickly and cleans well. It is a common pick for shampoos and body washes. It can leave skin or hair feeling squeaky after rinsing, so it suits some formulas better than others.

Good for

Shampoos and body washes meant for a deep, bubbly clean, especially on oily skin or hair with a lot of product buildup.

Frequently asked questions

Is ammonium lauryl sulfate harsh?

It is a strong cleanser, so it can feel harsh on dry or sensitive skin. Many people use it without any trouble. If your skin tends to feel tight, try a gentler cleanser or patch test a new product first.

Is ammonium lauryl sulfate the same as sodium lauryl sulfate?

They are close relatives. Both are lauryl sulfate salts that foam strongly and clean well. The difference is the partner ion: ammonium here, sodium in the other. Their feel in a formula is similar, so the rest of the recipe often decides the choice.