The Lab
Specimen No. 0200
CautionSyntheticsurfactant

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

CAS 2235-54-3 · ALS · Ammonium lauryl sulphate · Ammonium dodecyl sulfate

An anionic lauryl-sulfate cleansing surfactant whose main issue is concentration- and contact-time-dependent skin irritation, generally considered acceptable in rinse-off products.

medium confidence
Researched July 7, 2026

Concerns

  • Anionic lauryl-sulfate surfactants reduce the surface tension of the stratum corneum and can damage the skin barrier, carrying an irritant and, less commonly, an allergic contact-dermatitis potential (Salomon 2022, PMID 36856374)
  • Lauryl-sulfate surfactant challenge denatures stratum-corneum proteins and increases transepidermal water loss, with the effect proportional to concentration and to the number of repeated exposures (Goffin 1999, PMID 10457137; data on the sodium analog)
  • Per the Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment, ammonium/sodium lauryl sulfate is considered safe primarily for brief, rinse-off use, with prolonged (leave-on) skin contact limited to about 1 percent because irritation rises with concentration and contact time (CIR final report)

Regulatory flags

  • IARC Class: NL
  • EDC Status: Not established
  • Regulatory: CIR: safe in rinse-off; leave-on <=1%
  • Evidence Grade: B

Commonly found in

ShampooBody washFacial cleanserBubble bathToothpaste

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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