Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is an anionic surfactant/foaming cleanser typically used around ~5–15% in rinse-off formulas, where it can disrupt stratum corneum lipids and increase transepidermal water loss. Clinical and patch-test data across surfactants consistently show sulfated ethoxylates can cause irritant contact dermatitis, with higher risk in atopic/eczema-prone and barrier-impaired skin, especially with frequent use or prolonged contact. While many people tolerate it in well-formulated rinse-off products, its mechanism and real-world exposure make it a significant irritant risk in sensitive populations. Safety Notes: Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is predominantly used in rinse-off cleansers (shampoos, body washes, facial washes), where very mild/sulfate-reduced formulas and baby/sensitive washes often include it around ~0.5–3% active as a secondary surfactant or to boost foam. Mainstream mass-market shampoos and body washes commonly sit in the ~5–15% active range, while high-foam clarifying shampoos and concentrated surfactant bases sold to consumers (often supplied as ~25–70% active ALS solutions) can yield finished-product actives in the ~20–35% range; it is rarely used in leave-on products due to irritation potential.