What Is Ammonium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate?
Ammonium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is a cleansing agent made from medium-chain fatty alcohols that usually come from renewable plant oils such as coconut or palm kernel oil. Chemists first began working with this family of ingredients in the mid-20th century when they were looking for alternatives to traditional soap that would lather well in hard water without leaving residue. The fatty alcohols are first reacted with sulfur trioxide or sulfuric acid to create a sulfate ester. This acidic mixture is then neutralized with ammonia, turning it into the water-soluble ammonium salt used in cosmetics.
Because it produces a rich foam, cuts through oil and rinses away easily, Ammonium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate shows up most often in everyday rinse-off items. You will find it in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths and hand soaps. It can also be part of foaming scrubs and kids’ bath products where mild yet effective cleansing is needed.
Ammonium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, this ingredient serves one main purpose: cleansing. It lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and product buildup loosen and wash away, helping skin and hair feel fresh without a heavy film. Its ability to foam quickly means a small amount can spread through the product, allowing manufacturers to deliver good lather and rinse-off performance while keeping formulas light and cost-effective.
Who Can Use Ammonium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate
This cleansing agent is generally suitable for normal, oily and combination skin as well as most hair types because it removes excess sebum effectively without leaving residue. Those with very dry or easily sensitized skin may find it a bit too degreasing if used in high concentrations or in leave-on products, so they might prefer milder surfactants or formulas buffered with extra conditioners.
The ingredient is typically derived from plant oils and the neutralizing step uses ammonia, not animal derivatives, so it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Still, final product claims depend on the rest of the formula and the brand’s sourcing policy.
No studies indicate that topical use poses a specific risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a qualified health professional before adding it to a routine, just to be safe.
Ammonium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and does not interfere with sunscreen efficacy. It is water soluble so it rinses away fully, which further limits lingering effects on the skin surface.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Ammonium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate differ from person to person. The issues listed below are possible yet unlikely when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated rinse-off product.
- Dryness or tightness in very dry or mature skin when used frequently
- Temporary stinging if the cleanser enters the eyes
- Mild redness or irritation on sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Scalp itch or flakiness in those prone to dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to sulfate surfactants
- Faster fading of artificial hair color due to strong cleansing action
If you notice any of these effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (low)
Ammonium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is a small, water-soluble cleansing molecule that rinses off fully and does not linger in pores, so it is very unlikely to trap oil or dead skin that could form blemishes. A tiny chance of clogging exists only if a formula is overloaded with heavy oils that stay behind after rinsing, which is why the ingredient is given a cautious 1 instead of a perfect 0.
People who are prone to acne or breakouts can usually use products containing this surfactant without worry.
Because it is almost always used in rinse-off products, its time on the skin is short and that further reduces pore-clogging risk.
Summary
Ammonium C12-13 Alkyl Sulfate is mainly a cleanser that lifts away oil, dirt and buildup by lowering water’s surface tension then foams up for an easy rinse. Thanks to these traits it helps shampoos and body washes leave skin and hair feeling fresh and light.
The ingredient shows up in many everyday bath and shower products, yet it is less talked about than heavyweight sulfates like SLS or SLES. Brands looking for a slightly milder, plant-sourced alternative often choose it.
Used in the concentrations found in rinse-off formulas, it is considered safe for most people. Still, skin can react to anything, so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this surfactant before making it a staple.