murphyAmmonium Lauryl Sulfate
AKA: Ammonium dodecyl sulfate, 2235-54-3, Presulin, Ammonium dodecyl sulphate, Sinopon, Texapon special, Conco sulfate A, Maprofix NH, Richonol AM
Synthetic
Cleanser
Clean
OriginDerived from lauryl alcohol and ammonia, both produced from coconut or palm oil feedstocks. Synthesized through sulfation of lauryl alcohol followed by neutralization with ammonia.
Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) is the common name for ammonium dodecyl sulfate. ALS is classified as an alkyl sulfate and is an anionic surfactant found primarily in shampoos and body-wash as a foaming agent. Lauryl sulfates are very high-foam surfactants that disrupt the surface tension of water by forming micelles around the polar water molecules. (L1891)
Formula
C12H29NO4S
Mol. Weight
283.43
CAS #
2235-54-3
Form
Powder
State
Ammonium lauryl sulfate appears as light yellow liquid. May float or sink and mix with water. (USCG, 1999)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Foaming
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Antimicrobial
Removes dirt and impurities
Creates cleansing foam
Lifts away dirt and oil
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe with qualifications (safe for discontinuous brief use with thorough rinsing; not above 1% in prolonged-contact products)
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
7 studies / 7 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 216)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
13 studies / 9 irritating / 3 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions minimal to severe / plus 1 case report (CIR 216)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
17 studies / 11 irritating / 3 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions slight to corrosive (CIR 216)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR