Ammonium lauryl sulphate

Other names: ALS, Ammonium dodecyl sulfate

Ammonium lauryl sulfate, also known as ALS or ammonium dodecyl sulfate, is an ingredient used in a large number of cosmetic and personal care products. It is a tenside or surfactant, which is a substance that reduces the tension between two surfaces. Specifically, ALS reduces the tension between water and grease or dust, allowing them to separate more easily. In practice, this means that this substance enables the production of shampoos, shower gels, soaps and other cleaning products that effectively remove impurities from skin and hair. ALS is also a common ingredient in toothpastes and dishwashing products.

However, despite its wide range of applications, ammonium lauryl sulfate is becoming an increasingly controversial ingredient. This is due to its potential side effects, which can include skin and eye irritation. Although ALS is considered safe in small concentrations, people with sensitive skin may have negative reactions to products containing this substance. If used frequently on the skin, ALS can cause dryness or even allergic reactions. Therefore, some brands are already starting to replace this surfactant with milder alternatives, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which is less irritating. Nevertheless, ALS is still widely used in the cosmetics industry due to its effectiveness and low production costs.