What Is Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate?
Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate is a surfactant made by reacting lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol sourced mainly from coconut or palm kernel oil, with around seven units of ethylene oxide, then adding sulfuric acid followed by neutralization with ammonium hydroxide. The result is a water-soluble compound that lowers surface tension, helping water mix with oil and dirt. It first appeared in personal care formulas in the 1970s as manufacturers looked for milder, more water-friendly alternatives to older soap-based cleansers.
Because it produces a soft, abundant foam while staying gentle on skin and hair, Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate is common in shampoos, liquid hand soaps, facial cleansers, shower gels, bubble baths, body washes and some exfoliating scrubs. Its ability to rinse clean without leaving a heavy residue also makes it useful in makeup removing wipes and micellar waters.
Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, this ingredient mainly serves as a surfactant that cleans and foams. These are its key roles
- Cleansing – lifts away oils, sweat and everyday grime so they can be rinsed off easily leaving skin or hair feeling fresh
- Foaming – creates a rich lather that helps spread the product evenly and gives users a sensory cue that the cleanser is working
Who Can Use Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate
Most people with normal, oily or combination skin and hair can use products that contain Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate without any trouble. It cleans efficiently yet is milder than older sulfate surfactants, making it less likely to strip moisture compared with traditional soaps. Those with very dry or highly sensitive skin might still find it a bit drying if used in high concentrations or left on the skin for long periods, so they may prefer a creamier cleanser or a sulfate-free option.
The ingredient is manufactured from plant-derived fatty alcohols and synthetic processing aids, so it has no animal components and is generally considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Always check the overall formula though, as other animal-derived ingredients could be present.
Current safety data show no specific risks linked to pregnancy or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in rinse-off products. As with any cosmetic, this is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing individuals should review their personal care routine with a qualified healthcare provider to be certain it aligns with their specific needs.
Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so routine use does not require added sun protection beyond the daily SPF already recommended for general skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are potential outcomes and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used at typical concentrations in well-formulated products.
- Dryness or tightness
- Mild stinging or burning on compromised or very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to sulfates or to residual impurities from the manufacturing process
- Fading of color-treated hair due to repeated cleansing
If you notice any uncomfortable reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate is highly water-soluble, does not form an occlusive film and rinses away almost completely so it has little chance to clog pores. It may dry out very sensitive skin if used too often, which can sometimes trigger reactive oiliness, but it does not directly cause comedones. Overall it is considered safe for those prone to acne or breakouts.
No additional factors are known to increase its pore-clogging potential, and it is often used in facial cleansers marketed for blemish-prone skin.
Summary
Ammonium Laureth-7 Sulfate is a versatile surfactant that lifts oil and dirt, creates a satisfying foam and rinses clean without heavy residue. These qualities make it a fixture in shampoos, body washes, face cleansers and even makeup-removing formulas.
Its popularity sits in the middle ground: less aggressive than older sulfates yet still affordable and easy for manufacturers to work with, it shows up in many mainstream products though some premium or sensitive-skin lines choose sulfate-free alternatives.
Current research and decades of consumer use show it is generally safe in rinse-off cosmetics with only minor risk of dryness or irritation in susceptible individuals. As with any new product, do a quick patch test first to be sure your skin gets along with the overall formula.