What Is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate?
Ammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate is a gentle surfactant made by reacting lauryl alcohol, which is derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, with maleic anhydride and then neutralizing the blend with ammonium hydroxide. The result is a large molecule that carries a negative charge on one end and a long fatty chain on the other, allowing it to link water with oils and dirt. Introduced to personal care labs in the late 1960s as formulators searched for milder alternatives to traditional sulfates, it quickly found a place in shampoos and body washes thanks to its ability to cleanse without stripping the skin or hair of natural oils. Today you will spot it in sulfate-free shampoos, facial cleansers, bubble baths, baby washes, scrubs, liquid hand soaps and even rinse-off masks, wherever a rich yet mild lather is desired.
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient contributes to a product’s performance in several ways
- Cleansing: Its surfactant structure lifts away sweat, sebum and product build-up so they can be rinsed off with water leaving skin and hair feeling fresh
- Foaming: Creates a dense creamy lather that spreads the product evenly, helps users gauge coverage and adds a pleasant sensory experience
Who Can Use Ammonium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
This surfactant is generally well tolerated by normal, oily and combination skin as well as most scalp types. Dry or very sensitive skin can usually use it too, but may prefer lower concentrations or formulas blended with extra moisturizers because even mild detergents can leave fragile skin feeling tight if overused.
The molecule is plant derived and contains no animal by-products so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards. Manufacturers typically confirm this status with their raw material suppliers.
No research links ammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate to risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skincare products with a qualified health professional before use just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also compatible with most other common cosmetic ingredients and does not interfere with actives like vitamin C or retinoids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at standard levels in a well formulated product.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness
- Transient stinging on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Eye irritation if the lather enters the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by redness or itching
- Fading of very fresh hair dye due to cleansing action
If you notice irritation or any unexpected reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – Ammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate is a large, water-soluble molecule that rinses off easily and does not linger in pores, so it has very little tendency to clog them. Because it is usually found in rinse-off cleansers and shampoos the brief skin contact further lowers any pore-blocking risk.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
People who use heavy leave-on products right after washing should still choose non-comedogenic moisturizers since those will have a bigger impact on clogged pores than the cleanser itself.
Summary
Ammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate acts mainly as a cleanser and foaming agent. Its charged head binds to water while its fatty tail grabs oils and dirt, letting them wash away and leaving skin and hair clean without a stripped feel.
It shows up in many sulfate-free shampoos, facial washes, hand soaps and bubble baths because formulators like its balance of mildness and rich lather. While not as famous as traditional sulfates it is a popular pick in gentle or natural-positioned products.
Safety reviews find it low in irritation potential and low in comedogenicity when used at standard levels. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so patch testing a new product is a smart idea before making it part of a daily routine.