What Is Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate?
Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate is a surfactant, which means it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Chemically, it starts with lauryl alcohol obtained from coconut or palm kernel oil. Five units of ethylene oxide are added to the alcohol, then the mix is treated with sulfur trioxide to create a sulfate group and finally neutralized with ammonia. The result is a water-soluble powder or thick liquid that blends easily into personal care formulas.
Surfactants like this gained popularity in the mid-20th century when manufacturers looked for gentle yet effective alternatives to traditional soap. The “ Laureth-5 ” part signals a moderate level of ethoxylation, giving a balance of cleaning power and mildness that works well for daily products.
You will most often find Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate in shampoos, face washes, body washes, bubble baths and hand soaps. It can also appear in exfoliating scrubs, clay masks and makeup brush cleansers where quick rinsing is a priority.
Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is added to formulas for a few key reasons
- Cleansing: Lifts away oil, sweat and product buildup so skin and hair feel fresh and light
- Foaming: Creates a rich lather that spreads the product evenly and makes rinsing faster, which many users find satisfying
Who Can Use Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate
Most people with normal, oily or combination skin can use products containing Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate without issue. Dry or very sensitive skin may find it a bit stripping if the overall formula is not balanced with moisturizers because surfactants can sometimes remove too much natural oil.
The ingredient is plant derived and fully synthetic by the time it reaches the bottle so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are used in its manufacture.
Current research shows no evidence that topical Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate is harmful during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the complete product to a healthcare professional before use, just to be safe.
It does not increase photosensitivity so there is no extra need for sun protection beyond the daily SPF everyone should already be wearing.
Because it is water soluble it will not accumulate in pores or on hair shafts, making it generally compatible with most skincare and haircare routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate vary from person to person. The following are only potential side effects and, when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product, most people will not experience them.
- Dryness or tight feeling on skin after rinsing
- Itching, redness or mild stinging on sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the lather gets into the eyes
- Flakiness or scalp dryness with frequent shampooing
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to sulfates
- Slight fading of fresh hair dye due to its cleansing strength
If any irritation or other negative effect occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a pharmacist or physician.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5
Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate is highly water soluble and designed to be rinsed away within seconds so it does not linger on skin or settle inside pores. Unlike heavy oils or waxes it does not form a film that can trap dead cells or debris. Because of this it earns a solid zero on the comedogenic scale.
The ingredient is therefore considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any cleansing agent the finished product formula matters. If a cleanser also contains rich emollients or if it is not rinsed off fully pore clogging could come from other components rather than from Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate itself.
Summary
Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate is a plant-derived surfactant that lifts away oil, sweat and buildup then whips up a satisfying lather so the grime can be rinsed clean. It owes its cleaning power to the sulfate group that grabs water on one end and dirt on the other while the five ethoxy units provide added mildness.
The ingredient has long been a workhorse in everyday shampoos, face washes and body washes though some newer sulfate-free lines use alternatives in an effort to sound milder. Even so many formulators still pick it for its reliable performance, easy processing and reasonable cost.
When used in rinse-off products at typical levels Ammonium Laureth-5 Sulfate is considered safe for most skin and hair types with only a small chance of irritation for very dry or sensitive users. As with any new product it is smart to do a quick patch test first and stop use if any discomfort appears.